Red Shiner - Cyprinella lutrensis : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
For those seeking a distinct departure from the typical goldfish, Red Shiners (Cyprinella lutrensis) offer an attractive and alluring option. Red Shiners are a captivating and vibrant freshwater fish species often sought after by aquarium enthusiasts. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Red Shiners are recognized for their active and social nature, making them an engaging addition to community aquariums. Their preference for lively and well-oxygenated water conditions, as well as their readiness to coexist with various tankmates, further enhances their popularity among aquarists seeking an interactive and visually stunning aquatic companion. Keep Red Shiners in a group of six or more individuals to mimic their natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.
These cold-water fish can be housed alongside similarly sized and temperate species. Red Shiners predominantly inhabit the mid to upper regions of the aquarium, making them compatible with other fish of similar size and disposition that thrive in swift-flowing aquatic conditions. To maintain a balanced temperature range within their habitat, potential tankmates may include torpedo-shaped nemacheilid Loaches such as Schistura, Nemacheilus, and Mesonoemacheilus, which prefer the lower strata of the aquarium. Subtropical Botiid Loaches, as well as Weather Loaches, can also complement Red Shiners, provided the tank's size accommodates these inquisitive bottom-dwelling species. Gobies are another suitable choice for cohabitation. While Red Shiners generally exhibit a peaceful nature, it is advisable to refrain from introducing long-finned tankmates to ensure a harmonious aquatic community.
The optimal habitat for Red Shiners necessitates an aquarium of ample dimensions characterized by maturity and efficient filtration. It is essential to furnish the aquatic environment with an abundance of sheltering opportunities, including rocks, bogwood, and sturdy vegetation. To ensure adequate water circulation, the incorporation of supplementary powerheads to generate a modest current is advisable. It is worth noting that the level of oxygenation required in the water is directly proportional to its temperature; thus, vigilance in this regard is pivotal to sustaining an optimal aquatic ecosystem for these fish.
Red Shiners boast a unique and striking appearance with a laterally compressed, deep body that is silvery-green to white. During the breeding season, male Red Shiners sport iridescent pinkish-blue sides, a red crown, and red tips on all fins except the dorsal fin. Their distinct head features tiny eyes and a terminal to slightly sub-terminal mouth, with males possessing a sharply pointed nose that protrudes beyond their mouth. The anal fin contains 8 to 10 rays, the dorsal fin has eight rays, and the pelvic fins have eight rays. The caudal peduncle is broad, and the caudal fin is concave, providing an exquisite visual spectacle.
Red Shiner Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning between male and female Red Shiners is a relatively uncomplicated task. The females are distinguished by their larger, more robust physique and their less vivid complexion. Conversely, the males are comparatively diminutive in size and exhibit a strikingly brilliant appearance, particularly during their reproductive phase, characterized by the presence of conspicuous white tubercles across their cranium.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cyprinella lutrensis |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1853 |
| Other Names | Red-horse Minnow, Rainbow Dace |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Leuciscidae |
| Genus | Cyprinella |
| Origins | Mexico , United States |
| Max Size | 9 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 50 - 72 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 10 - 22 |
Natural Habitat
Red Shiners are found throughout the Mississippi River Basin. From the southern region of Wisconsin and eastern Indiana to the sprawling Louisiana and southern Wyoming, Red Shiners have established a robust presence in North America. Not only have they been introduced to states like Virginia, California, and Nevada, but they have also proliferated in areas where baitfish buckets have been emptied and aquariums have been released, among other methods.
These agile swimmers can be found in various aquatic environments, including creek mouths, backwaters, and riffles, with sand and silt substrates. Red Shiners demonstrate a remarkable ability to tolerate areas with high turbidity and siltation, and they can withstand harsh environments that other fish species cannot. Although they typically avoid waters with high acidity,
Red Shiners are remarkably adaptable, thriving in habitats characterized by natural physiochemical extremes, seasonally intermittent flows, and habitats degraded by human disturbance. In conclusion, Red Shiners are a captivating species that has flourished in North America's freshwater systems. Their tenacity and resilience in adapting to diverse environments make them an essential component of aquatic ecosystems.
Breeding
In their natural habitat, Red Shiners engage in spawning activity within tranquil waters, with males exercising their discretion in selecting and protecting the designated site. Female Red Shiners have been observed emitting audible signals to lure males. The reproductive cycle occurs seasonally, commencing from mid-April through to September, during which time Red Shiners deposit their eggs in crevices as well as attach them to rocks and aquatic vegetation.
While Red Shiners have been documented breeding in home aquariums, comprehensive information remains elusive. Female Red Shiners typically lay between 400 to 600 eggs in various orifices of the aquarium decor, including the gravel. Notably, Red Shiners possess the ability to hybridize with closely related species, such as the Blacktail Shiner and the Blue Shiner. Therefore, to prevent parental consumption of the eggs, removing the adult fish from the aquarium is recommended once spawning has concluded. The eggs generally hatch within 3 to 5 days, and the fry becomes capable of free-swimming approximately one week later.
Diet & Feeding
In their natural habitat, Red Shiners primarily subsist on algae and various aquatic and terrestrial insects. However, in a captive setting, these fish are known to exhibit a versatile dietary palette, accepting an array of sustenance options. Red Shiners are highly receptive from standard dried feeds like flakes and micro granules to live and frozen varieties, such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and Daphnia, to various food sources.
