Notropis rainbow

Fish “Rainbow Shine” or Rainbow Notropis, scientific name Notropis chrosomus, belongs to the family Cyprinidae (Cyprinidae). In Europe, they appeared on sale in 2009 after the Interzoo exhibition in Germany. The fish are distinguished by a unique color with a neon glow, which is their main feature. We can say about these fish – they live a bright, but short life, the duration is only 2 years. Easy to keep and breed, can be recommended, including beginner aquarists.

Habitat

It comes from North America from the territory of the southeastern United States (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia). Inhabits small streams and rivers with clear blue water. A similar shade is associated with high mineralization, since the sources of the rivers are in limestone deposits. Substrates consist of stones, boulders, coarse sand, pebbles. Aquatic vegetation is represented mainly by coastal plants.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 16-25°C
• Value pH — 6.5–7.7
• Water hardness – 5–18 dGH
• Substrate type — stony
• Lighting – moderate, bright
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate, strong
• The size of the fish is 6–8 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content – flock in the amount of 8-10 individuals

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 8 cm. In aquariums, it is somewhat smaller – about 6 cm. Their main feature is color. The body is pink with blue stripes and dots. The blue pigment, also found on the fins and tail, is able to refract light in such a way that a neon glow appears. It should be noted that as the temperature rises above 20°C, the main color becomes blue. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. There are no visible differences between males and females.

Food

In nature, they feed on everything they can swallow: small insects and their larvae, crustaceans and other invertebrates. In the home aquarium, most popular foods will be accepted in dry, frozen and live form. A good choice would be brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, etc.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of an aquarium for a flock of 10 fish starts at 250 liters. The design is simple and may well consist solely of rocky substrate. The remaining elements of the decor are selected at the discretion of the aquarist. The only important condition is the presence of a large space for swimming.

Successful long-term maintenance of Rainbow Notropis will require a stable aquatic environment similar to that in which fish live in nature – clean, clear water, rich in oxygen, with medium to high pH and dGH values. We must not allow the accumulation of organic waste that can change the hydrochemical composition and disrupt the normal course of the nitrogen cycle. To this end, regular maintenance and cleaning of the aquarium is carried out and the necessary equipment is installed, primarily a filtration system.

This is a cold water species. The water temperature should be roughly seasonal. In the period from autumn to spring – 16-20°C, and in summer it rises to 25°C. The hydrochemical composition has medium to high pH and dGH values.

Since the fish are prone to jumping, it is necessary to provide a safe cover with a non-traumatic inner surface and insulated lamps. They jump mainly at night, if you install night lighting, this can also solve the problem.

Behavior and Compatibility

A peaceful, mobile schooling species, compatible with other active fish of comparable size that can live in similar conditions (cool running water). Aggressive, large or too slow aquarium neighbors should be avoided.

Breeding / breeding

Sexual maturity is reached by 12 months. In view of the short life span, the fish have no more than two breeding seasons. In nature, spawning occurs during the warm season. Accordingly, a change in water temperature can serve as a stimulus for reproduction. For example, if the fish are kept in the recommended range of 16-20°C, then a gradual increase to 25°C will start the process. The breeding strategy is typical of most cyprinids. Females release eggs in the water column, and males fertilize them. The eggs are carried away by the current, sinking to the bottom and rolling into the spaces between the stones, which become the only protection for the future Rainbow Notropis. Parental instincts are not developed, therefore, on occasion, adult fish will definitely eat their own offspring.

The incubation period lasts 5-6 days. For another 1–2 days, the fry remain in place, feeding on the remains of the yolk sac. After a week from the moment of spawning, the juveniles that have appeared begin to swim freely.

Fish diseases

The cause of most diseases is unsuitable conditions of detention. A stable habitat will be the key to successful keeping. In the event of symptoms of the disease, first of all, the quality of the water should be checked and, if deviations are found, measures should be taken to correct the situation. If symptoms persist or even worsen, medical treatment will be required. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.