Rainbow Shiner

Notropis chrosomus

Rainbow Shiner is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size
26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
50–73°F (10–23°C)
pH
6.5–8
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
1–10 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 2 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 2 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 10–23 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 10–25 dGH, KH 1–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Rainbow Shiner is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Rainbow Shiner should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 10+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: United States.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–86°F (23–30°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Rainbow Shiner get?

Rainbow Shiner reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Rainbow Shiner need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Rainbow Shiner peaceful?

Yes. Rainbow Shiner is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Rainbow Shiner?

Keep it between 10 to 23 °C.

Should Rainbow Shiner be kept alone or in a group?

Rainbow Shiner: Keep in a school of 10+.

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