There are numerous species (approx. 320) of minnow relatives in North America, but only very few species have become aquarium fish to date. In contrast to our native minnow, the Red Shiner (Cyprinella (formerly: Notropis) lutrensis) is a fairly undemanding fish and does not require such low temperatures. Although the species can be kept in a garden pond, it also thrives excellently in indoor aquaria, which of course do not need to be heated. The males are beautifully colored, but the females also become more and more colorful over time. Nowadays, these fish are only sold as captive-bred specimens. The maximum length of the species is usually 7 cm, very rarely they grow up to 9 cm long. They are ready to spawn at a total length of 4-5 cm.
The Red Shiner originally occurs in North America from southern Illinois to South Dakota, Kansas and the Rio Grande (including Mexico, where the river is called Rio Bravo). The species forms several subspecies there. As these fish are often used by anglers as bait fish and there is a bad habit of simply releasing leftover bait fish wherever you happen to be, Cyprinella lutrensis is nowadays widely dispersed. As a consequence, it has long been illegal in the USA to transport baitfish across state borders. But can something like this be controlled…
This carp-like fish is an undemanding schooling fish that loves to swim and needs an elongated tank with plenty of free swimming space and clear fresh water. However, frequent water changes and optimal aeration of the tank are a prerequisite for successful maintenance. The males are more brightly colored and develop a pimple-like rash on the head during spawning time, as is known from many other carp-like fish. The latter is often interpreted as a sign of illness, but it is not. These peaceful fish do not have any special requirements in terms of water composition. They are free-spawning fish that can be bred relatively easily, even in a room aquarium. They do not practice brood-care.
This beautiful minnow is omnivorous and will eat any kind of live food, plant-based food and flake and tablet food. A shoal of this species is a real feast for the eyes in any cold water tank.
For our customers: the animals have code 867012 (3-4 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
