Rainbow Shiner ~ Notropis chrosomus

The Rainbow Shiner is a small, colorful freshwater fish known for its iridescent colors, which can shift between shades of pink, purple, blue, and red, particularly during the breeding season. Native to the cool, fast-flowing streams of the southeastern United States, this fish has quickly become popular among aquarists for its hardiness and vibrant display, making it a stunning addition to temperate community tanks.

- Size: 2-3 inches  
- Lifespan: 3-5 years  
- Temperament: Peaceful, social  
- Group/Solitary: Best kept in groups of 6+  
- Food: Omnivorous, flake food, live/frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp)  
- Water Requirements: 64-72°F, pH 6.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard water

Rainbow Shiners are schooling fish that thrive in groups, where their colors and natural behaviors truly shine. They prefer a well-oxygenated tank with a moderate to strong current to simulate their native environment. Cool water temperatures are ideal, and they do best with peaceful tankmates that can tolerate similar conditions. Providing plenty of open swimming space as well as cover in the form of plants, rocks, and driftwood helps create a natural setting. Rainbow Shiners are omnivores, and their diet should consist of high-quality flake or micro-pellet foods, supplemented with live or frozen options like daphnia or brine shrimp to enhance their vibrant colors. Regular water changes and stable conditions are important to keep them healthy and show-ready.

Found in the cool, clear streams of Alabama and surrounding states, Rainbow Shiners are adapted to living in fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy substrates and plenty of submerged vegetation. In the wild, they spawn in the spring and summer, during which time males develop especially bright colors to attract females. 

Fun Fact: During the breeding season, male Rainbow Shiners develop intense, almost fluorescent colors, which make them one of the most stunning small fish in the hobby. This seasonal coloration is so vivid that it earned them a reputation as one of the most colorful fish species in North American freshwater rivers.