The Rainbow Shiner (Hydrophlox chrosomus), sometimes listed under Notropis chrosomus, is one of the most spectacularly colored native freshwater fish in North America. It’s a small, peaceful, schooling species known for its iridescent body and brilliant breeding colors that rival even tropical aquarium fish.

Here’s a full overview:

🐟 General Information

• Common Name: Rainbow Shiner

• Scientific Name: Hydrophlox chrosomus (formerly Notropis chrosomus)

• Family: Cyprinidae (minnow family)

• Origin: Southeastern United States — native to clear, cool streams in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee

• Habitat: Fast-moving, well-oxygenated creeks and rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms

🌈 Appearance

• Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) average adult length

• Coloration:

  • Non-breeding: Silvery body with subtle blue and pink reflections

  • Breeding males: Dazzling electric blue, magenta, and pink hues across the body with red fins — one of the most vibrant North American fish

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Males display intense coloration during breeding

  • Females are more subdued and slightly plumper when gravid

💫 Behavior & Temperament

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Schooling: Best kept in groups of 6 or more — enhances color and natural behavior

• Activity: Active swimmers that prefer open space and strong water flow

• Compatibility: Ideal for community tanks with other peaceful, cool-water species (e.g., White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Hillstream Loaches)

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group; 40+ gallons preferred

• Temperature: 64–74°F (18–23°C); cooler than tropical species

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate (5–15 dGH)

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong — mimics stream habitat

• Filtration: Excellent — clean, oxygen-rich water is essential

• Décor:

  • Smooth rocks, pebbles, and driftwood

  • Live plants tolerant of cooler temps (Anubias, Java Fern, Hornwort, Vallisneria)

  • Open swimming area

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet in Nature: Small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae

• In the Aquarium:

  • Quality flake or micro pellet food

  • Frozen or live foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp)

  • Occasional vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched spinach)

🧬 Breeding

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterer

• Breeding Season: Spring (triggered by temperature rise and daylight increase)

• Behavior: Males develop brilliant colors and display to females; eggs are scattered over gravel or other rough surfaces

• Raising Fry: Separate eggs to prevent predation; fry can be fed infusoria or baby brine shrimp

💎 Care Tips

• Provide high oxygenation — use an air stone or powerhead

• Avoid tropical tankmates requiring high temperatures

• Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) maintain pristine conditions

• Use subdued lighting to accentuate natural iridescence

🌟 Why It’s Special

• One of the few North American native fish kept for its color alone

• Brilliant display during breeding season — bright blues and pinks rival saltwater fish

• Hardy and peaceful — excellent for temperate community aquariums or native biotope setups

Please note:
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