Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus) Care Guide
A spectacular North American native minnow where breeding males rival any tropical fish for color — displaying iridescent pink, blue, and purple hues with a vivid red snout.
Overview
Notropis chrosomus is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A spectacular North American native minnow where breeding males rival any tropical fish for color — displaying iridescent pink, blue, and purple hues with a vivid red snout. Found in clear streams of Alabama and nearby states, it prefers cool, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow. An increasingly popular choice for unheated or subtropical aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Notropis
- Scientific name: Notropis chrosomus
- Other names: Notropis chrosomus, Alabama Rainbow Shiner
- Origin: North America
Habitat
Native to the Mobile Bay drainage of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in the south-eastern United States. Inhabits clear, cool, well-oxygenated upland streams over gravel. A subtropical North American minnow that develops intense pink, blue and purple breeding colours; prefers cooler temperatures than tropical species.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 12-24 °C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 8
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: White Cloud Minnow, Hillstream Loach, Pygmy Sunfish, Dojo Loach, Other temperate species
- Avoid with: Tropical fish requiring warm water, Aggressive species
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate