Rainbow Dace - Cyprinella lutrensis
Rainbow Dace (Cyprinella lutrensis)
The fish sold as the Rainbow Dace is more widely known in scientific and fisheries references as the Red Shiner. It is a small but very lively North American minnow, valued for its silvery body and, in mature males, vivid flashes of red, pink, blue and purple during breeding condition. In the aquarium it is an active shoaling fish that does best in a spacious, well-oxygenated setup with plenty of open swimming room rather than a cramped or overly warm community tank.
Common Name:
Rainbow Dace. It is more widely listed as the Red Shiner.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Cyprinella lutrensis
Maximum Size:
Up to 9.3 cm in total length, though many specimens are more commonly seen around 5 cm.
Water Type:
Freshwater.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to much of the central United States and northern Mexico. It naturally inhabits silty, sandy and rocky pools and runs, and sometimes riffles, in creeks and small to medium rivers. It is notably tolerant of siltation and high turbidity, which helps explain its hardiness.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: moderate to fairly hard water preferred
These aquarium values are a practical care recommendation inferred from its broad natural range and tolerance of variable river conditions rather than a narrow species-specific captive standard.
Temperament:
Generally peaceful but energetic. It is a shoaling fish and is best kept in a proper group, as small numbers can make behaviour less settled and more erratic.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In nature it feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects as well as algae, and in the aquarium it will usually accept quality flakes, small pellets, frozen foods and live foods readily.
Minimum Tank Size:
A practical long-term recommendation is at least 90 litres, with a longer tank strongly preferred over a tall one because this species is such an active swimmer. This is an aquarium-care inference based on its schooling nature, adult size and constant movement.
Behaviour & Activity:
This is a diurnal, fast-moving shoaling minnow that spends much of the day cruising open water. Males become especially colourful in breeding condition, and the species is best appreciated in a lively group rather than as isolated individuals.
Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best kept in a group of 6 or more with other active, similarly sized, peaceful fish that enjoy open swimming space and good oxygenation. Watch out for very timid species, very small nano fish, or long-finned fish, which may be stressed by this species’ speed and constant activity. This compatibility guidance is an aquarium-care inference based on its shoaling behaviour, energetic swimming style and riverine habitat.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species does best in a mature aquarium with good water movement, regular maintenance and plenty of free swimming space. It is hardy, but it looks and behaves far better in a proper shoal than in pairs or trios. A cooler, well-oxygenated setup is usually more appropriate than a very warm tropical aquarium.
Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers. It is generally hardy and adaptable, but it is better suited to aquarists who can provide a group, suitable swimming space and sensible tankmate choices. This is an inference from its habitat tolerance and aquarium use.
Availability:
Occasional in trade. FishBase lists it in the aquarium trade, but it is still less commonly seen in home aquaria than many mainstream tropical minnows.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
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Rainbow Dace - Cyprinella lutrensis
Rainbow Dace - Cyprinella lutrensis
Rainbow Dace (Cyprinella lutrensis)
The fish sold as the Rainbow Dace is more widely known in scientific and fisheries references as the Red Shiner. It is a small but very lively North American minnow, valued for its silvery body and, in mature males, vivid flashes of red, pink, blue and purple during breeding condition. In the aquarium it is an active shoaling fish that does best in a spacious, well-oxygenated setup with plenty of open swimming room rather than a cramped or overly warm community tank.
Common Name:
Rainbow Dace. It is more widely listed as the Red Shiner.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Cyprinella lutrensis
Maximum Size:
Up to 9.3 cm in total length, though many specimens are more commonly seen around 5 cm.
Water Type:
Freshwater.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to much of the central United States and northern Mexico. It naturally inhabits silty, sandy and rocky pools and runs, and sometimes riffles, in creeks and small to medium rivers. It is notably tolerant of siltation and high turbidity, which helps explain its hardiness.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: moderate to fairly hard water preferred
These aquarium values are a practical care recommendation inferred from its broad natural range and tolerance of variable river conditions rather than a narrow species-specific captive standard.
Temperament:
Generally peaceful but energetic. It is a shoaling fish and is best kept in a proper group, as small numbers can make behaviour less settled and more erratic.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In nature it feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects as well as algae, and in the aquarium it will usually accept quality flakes, small pellets, frozen foods and live foods readily.
Minimum Tank Size:
A practical long-term recommendation is at least 90 litres, with a longer tank strongly preferred over a tall one because this species is such an active swimmer. This is an aquarium-care inference based on its schooling nature, adult size and constant movement.
Behaviour & Activity:
This is a diurnal, fast-moving shoaling minnow that spends much of the day cruising open water. Males become especially colourful in breeding condition, and the species is best appreciated in a lively group rather than as isolated individuals.
Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best kept in a group of 6 or more with other active, similarly sized, peaceful fish that enjoy open swimming space and good oxygenation. Watch out for very timid species, very small nano fish, or long-finned fish, which may be stressed by this species’ speed and constant activity. This compatibility guidance is an aquarium-care inference based on its shoaling behaviour, energetic swimming style and riverine habitat.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species does best in a mature aquarium with good water movement, regular maintenance and plenty of free swimming space. It is hardy, but it looks and behaves far better in a proper shoal than in pairs or trios. A cooler, well-oxygenated setup is usually more appropriate than a very warm tropical aquarium.
Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers. It is generally hardy and adaptable, but it is better suited to aquarists who can provide a group, suitable swimming space and sensible tankmate choices. This is an inference from its habitat tolerance and aquarium use.
Availability:
Occasional in trade. FishBase lists it in the aquarium trade, but it is still less commonly seen in home aquaria than many mainstream tropical minnows.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
Original: $13.49
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$4.72Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Rainbow Dace (Cyprinella lutrensis)
The fish sold as the Rainbow Dace is more widely known in scientific and fisheries references as the Red Shiner. It is a small but very lively North American minnow, valued for its silvery body and, in mature males, vivid flashes of red, pink, blue and purple during breeding condition. In the aquarium it is an active shoaling fish that does best in a spacious, well-oxygenated setup with plenty of open swimming room rather than a cramped or overly warm community tank.
Common Name:
Rainbow Dace. It is more widely listed as the Red Shiner.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Cyprinella lutrensis
Maximum Size:
Up to 9.3 cm in total length, though many specimens are more commonly seen around 5 cm.
Water Type:
Freshwater.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to much of the central United States and northern Mexico. It naturally inhabits silty, sandy and rocky pools and runs, and sometimes riffles, in creeks and small to medium rivers. It is notably tolerant of siltation and high turbidity, which helps explain its hardiness.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C
pH Range: 6.8–8.0
Hardness: moderate to fairly hard water preferred
These aquarium values are a practical care recommendation inferred from its broad natural range and tolerance of variable river conditions rather than a narrow species-specific captive standard.
Temperament:
Generally peaceful but energetic. It is a shoaling fish and is best kept in a proper group, as small numbers can make behaviour less settled and more erratic.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In nature it feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects as well as algae, and in the aquarium it will usually accept quality flakes, small pellets, frozen foods and live foods readily.
Minimum Tank Size:
A practical long-term recommendation is at least 90 litres, with a longer tank strongly preferred over a tall one because this species is such an active swimmer. This is an aquarium-care inference based on its schooling nature, adult size and constant movement.
Behaviour & Activity:
This is a diurnal, fast-moving shoaling minnow that spends much of the day cruising open water. Males become especially colourful in breeding condition, and the species is best appreciated in a lively group rather than as isolated individuals.
Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best kept in a group of 6 or more with other active, similarly sized, peaceful fish that enjoy open swimming space and good oxygenation. Watch out for very timid species, very small nano fish, or long-finned fish, which may be stressed by this species’ speed and constant activity. This compatibility guidance is an aquarium-care inference based on its shoaling behaviour, energetic swimming style and riverine habitat.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species does best in a mature aquarium with good water movement, regular maintenance and plenty of free swimming space. It is hardy, but it looks and behaves far better in a proper shoal than in pairs or trios. A cooler, well-oxygenated setup is usually more appropriate than a very warm tropical aquarium.
Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers. It is generally hardy and adaptable, but it is better suited to aquarists who can provide a group, suitable swimming space and sensible tankmate choices. This is an inference from its habitat tolerance and aquarium use.
Availability:
Occasional in trade. FishBase lists it in the aquarium trade, but it is still less commonly seen in home aquaria than many mainstream tropical minnows.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
