Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus)
Bring a dazzling burst of iridescent color to your freshwater aquarium with the Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus). Native to the southeastern United States, these active, peaceful schooling fish are celebrated for their incredible neon pink, purple, and metallic blue hues—especially when males are in their breeding dress!
Perfect for unheated or temperate setups, the Rainbow Shiner thrives in dynamic environments with good water flow, replicating the clear, fast-moving streams of their natural habitat. If you're looking for a hardy, highly active, and visually stunning fish for a community tank, the Rainbow Shiner is an absolute standout.
Key Features
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Stunning Coloration: Displays striking neon pinks, blues, and silvers that become incredibly vibrant as they mature and condition for spawning.
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Active Schoolers: Constantly on the move, providing excellent mid-to-top level activity in the aquarium.
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Temperate Wonder: Does not require a heater in most homes, making them an excellent choice for cool-water setups.
Care & Husbandry Specifications
To keep your Rainbow Shiners thriving and showing their best colors, we recommend the following parameters:
| Parameter | Ideal Range / Requirement |
| Diet | Omnivorous. Flakes, micro-pellets, daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. |
| Temperature | 50°F – 72°F (Cooler water extends their lifespan) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Hardness | 4 – 15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 Gallons (Long preferred for ample swimming space) |
| Temperament | Peaceful; best kept in groups of 6 or more. |
| Tank Mates | Hillstream loaches, white cloud mountain minnows, and other peaceful, cool-water species. |
