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Freshwater fishRainbow Shiner (School of 6)
Rainbow Shiner (School of 6)
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Part of the appeal, and defense, of the shiner is the shimmer a small school makes as it moves about a body of water. The tight shimmer confuses the predator and pleases the tank owner.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Notropis chrosomus (see note) |
| Origin | Southeastern United States (Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee) |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful but very active |
| Adult Size | Up to 3" |
| Lifespan | 3–4 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 55–75°F (cool water; no heater needed) |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Group Size | Sold as a school of 6 |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Rainbow shiners are active, cool-water stream fish. Give them a sand or gravel bottom, smooth rocks, some current and strong aeration. Keep the water below about 75°F and keep a lid on the tank.
Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Keep them with other peaceful, cool-water fish of similar size, such as other native minnows and darters, white clouds or danios. Avoid tropical fish that need warm water, and slow, long-finned fish.
Good to know: In spring breeding season, males turn bright pink and blue, which is where the "rainbow" name comes from.
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