{"product_id":"hydrophlox-chrosomus-rainbow-shiners","title":"Hydrophlox chrosomus (Rainbow Shiners) Young adults","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eIUCN Red List: Least Concern\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant note: This is a \u003cstrong\u003etemperate, cool-water species\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a tropical fish. Long-term exposure to excessive heat can shorten its lifespan and reduce breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydrophlox chrosomus\u003c\/em\u003e (“Rainbow Shiner”)\u003cbr\u003eFormerly \u003cem\u003eNotropis chrosomus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rainbow Shiner is a brilliantly colored North American minnow native to the Mobile Bay drainage of the southeastern United States. Its natural distribution includes the Coosa, Cahaba, Alabama, and upper Black Warrior river systems. It inhabits clear creeks, springs, and small rivers containing gravelly riffles, pools, and well-oxygenated flowing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species has a slender, streamlined body with a slightly compressed profile and forked tail. Outside the breeding season, the body is generally translucent silver to pale gold or pink, with a darker silver-gray lateral stripe and subtle blue iridescence along the head and flanks. The bases of the fins may show pink, orange, or reddish coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring breeding condition, males undergo a dramatic transformation. The head, back, and fin bases develop intense metallic blue, violet, or purple coloration. The snout becomes pink to red, while the lower body and fins can display combinations of electric blue, magenta, orange, and rosy red. A reflective silver-blue stripe may remain visible along the middle of the body. Exact color intensity varies with age, season, social status, lighting, diet, temperature, and population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales are not necessarily colorless. Mature females may retain blue, pink, purple, or silver iridescence, but their breeding colors are normally less intense than those of dominant males. Females also tend to become larger and noticeably fuller-bodied when carrying eggs. Young and non-breeding fish are considerably more subdued than mature breeding adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdults commonly reach approximately 5–7 cm (≈ 2–2.8″) total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge individuals may reach approximately 8 cm (≈ 3.2″).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClean, well-oxygenated water with moderate mineral content is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH 6.5–8.0\u003cbr\u003eGH 5–20 °d\u003cbr\u003eKH 3–15 °d\u003cbr\u003eTDS approximately 100–500 ppm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide strong filtration, good surface agitation, and moderate water movement. The aquarium should contain rounded gravel, smooth stones, and open swimming space. Plants can be placed along the sides and rear without obstructing the main swimming area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitting lid is recommended because Rainbow Shiners are active swimmers and may jump when startled or during courtship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10–24 °C (50–75 °F)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 16–22 °C (61–72 °F) is ideal for routine maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort periods near the upper end of the range may be tolerated if oxygen levels remain high, but continuously warm tropical conditions are not recommended. A cooler seasonal period may improve long-term health and help establish a natural breeding cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn opportunistic omnivore with a strong preference for insects and small aquatic invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e– Live or frozen daphnia\u003cbr\u003e– Brine shrimp\u003cbr\u003e– Bloodworms and mosquito larvae\u003cbr\u003e– Mysis and small aquatic insects\u003cbr\u003e– High-quality flakes\u003cbr\u003e– Appropriately sized floating or slow-sinking pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet rich in small live or frozen foods helps condition the fish and supports strong breeding coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA peaceful but extremely active schooling species—keep in groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–12+\u003c\/strong\u003e, with larger groups strongly preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include other peaceful temperate species such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e– White Cloud Mountain Minnows\u003cbr\u003e– Peaceful North American shiners\u003cbr\u003e– Weather loaches in sufficiently large aquariums\u003cbr\u003e– Temperate \u003cem\u003eRhinogobius\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Small temperate stream loaches\u003cbr\u003e– Other active minnows requiring similar conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid slow-moving, timid, long-finned, or warm-water tropical fish. Rainbow Shiners are vigorous feeders and may prevent quieter species from receiving sufficient food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough generally peaceful, males may chase and display toward one another during the breeding season. A large group and ample swimming space help distribute this behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA gravel-spawning species with no parental care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nature, Rainbow Shiners frequently spawn over clean gravel beds, including the constructed nests of gravel-moving chubs. In aquaria, breeding may be encouraged by providing a shallow tray or mound of clean, rounded gravel or pebbles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeasonal conditioning is beneficial. Maintain the fish at cooler temperatures during winter, then gradually increase the temperature and feeding as spring approaches. Mature males should develop intense breeding colors and begin displaying above the spawning substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral males may gather around receptive females. Eggs are released among the gaps in the gravel, where they receive some protection from the adults. The parents do not guard the eggs and may consume any they can reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor controlled breeding, remove the gravel tray after spawning and place it in a separate, well-oxygenated aquarium containing water with matching temperature and chemistry. Alternatively, move the adults after spawning has ended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatching time depends strongly on temperature but may take approximately five to seven days. Newly free-swimming fry require infusoria, rotifers, or other microscopic foods before progressing to microworms and newly hatched baby brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRainbow Shiners require more horizontal swimming space than their modest body size suggests. A long aquarium of approximately 100 cm (39″) or more is recommended for a proper group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir famous rainbow coloration is seasonal and condition-dependent. Fish may appear primarily silver, pink, or pale blue outside the breeding season. Intense photographs of breeding males should not be considered their permanent everyday appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain excellent oxygenation, particularly when temperatures rise. Avoid overcrowding, stagnant water, and continuously high tropical temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"BWAquatics","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":49848572510360,"sku":"SQ7508672","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":49848572543128,"sku":"SQ8745248","price":89.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20","offer_id":49848572575896,"sku":"SQ8464280","price":159.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/bwaquatics.com\/products\/hydrophlox-chrosomus-rainbow-shiners","provider":"BWAquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}