Rainbow Shiner

The rainbow shiner (Notropis chrosomus) is a North American minnow from clear, cool streams in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Out of season it is a modest silver fish with a dark lateral line. In breeding condition the males are transformed: the head and snout flush rose pink, the flanks turn violet and blue, and the fins take on a warm orange. It is one of very few native North American fish that outshines the tropical imports.

Aquarium care

• Prefers cool water. It does not need a heater in a normal room, and it suffers at tropical temperatures.
• Peaceful and strongly social.
• Keep eight or more.
• Wants clean, well-oxygenated water with some flow.
• Active in the middle and upper levels.
• Omnivorous: flake, micro pellets and frozen daphnia or bloodworm.

Best in an unheated native or coldwater tank with white cloud mountain minnows or hillstream loaches. It is a poor fit for a warm tropical community, which is the most common reason people struggle with it.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See more in assorted and interesting.