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The Rainbow Shiner (Notropis chrosomus) is one of the most breathtaking freshwater fish available, famous for its electric pink, violet, and blue spawning colours that rival even the most exotic tropical species. Native to the cool, clear streams of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, this hardy North American species has become a favourite among aquascapers and hobbyists looking for a vibrant, active schooling fish.

Perfect for river‑style aquariums, Rainbow Shiners thrive in groups of 10 or more, where their natural shoaling behaviour and shimmering colours truly come alive. With a maximum size of around 3 inches, peaceful temperament, and wide water‑parameter tolerance, they make an excellent addition to community setups with similar cool‑water species.

Whether you’re building a biotope stream tank or adding movement and colour to a planted aquarium, Rainbow Shiners deliver unmatched visual impact — especially during breeding season, when males explode into neon hues.

Rainbow Shiner Care Guide

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 50–72°F (10–22°C) — cooler water preferred
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: Moderate
• Flow: Moderate to strong (they naturally live in lotic, fast‑moving streams)

🏞️ Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 20–30 gallons for a shoal
• Group size: Keep 10+ individuals for natural behaviour and reduced stress
• Aquascape style:
  • • River‑manifold setups
  • Rounded stones, gravel, driftwood
  • Hardy plants that tolerate flow (e.g., Vallisneria, Anubias)
  • Lighting: Medium–high to enhance iridescence
  • Lid: Essential — they are fast, active swimmers

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Rainbow Shiners are carnivorous and thrive on a varied, protein‑rich diet:

• High‑quality micro‑pellets
• Frozen foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp)
• Live foods for conditioning (especially for breeding)

🤝 Tank Mates

Choose peaceful, cool‑water companions:

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows
• Hillstream Loaches
• Rosy Red Minnows
• Small danios
  Avoid aggressive or warm‑water species.

💡 Behaviour

• Extremely active, fast‑moving shoalers
• Display best colours during spawning season
• Males become intensely vibrant when ready to breed

🐣 Breeding

• Triggered by seasonal temperature changes
• Males develop neon pink and purple colours
• Scatter spawners — provide gravel beds or spawning mops
• Best done in a species‑only setup for fry survival

❤️ Why Aquarists Love Them

• One of the most colourful temperate fish in the hobby
• Hardy and adaptable
• Stunning in large shoals
• Perfect for river‑themed aquascapes
• Captivating breeding displays

The peaceful and beautifully-colored Red Beckford’s Pencilfish is one of the most superb freshwater nano fish!

The Red Beckford’s Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi var. “Red”) is a very sought-after schooling community fish. Its small size, vibrant coloration, and relative rarity have made it one of the most desirable freshwater nano and planted aquarium fish.

The Red Beckford’s Pencilfish typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe with other peaceful, small fish. Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe as well, but adult Red Beckford’s Pencilfish may eat small dwarf shrimp and their fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. Red Beckford’s Pencilfish must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Since they are tank-raised, Red Beckford’s Pencilfish are very adaptable, but their natural habitat contains soft, acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter.

While not a picky eater, the Red Beckford’s Pencilfish will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried meaty foods will all be readily accepted.