Fieryblack Shiner - Cyprinella pyrrhomelas Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Fieryblack Shiner is a striking freshwater species native to the cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers of the southeastern United States. Renowned for its vivid colouration and active swimming habits, this small fish typically features a silvery body with dark, fiery accents that intensify during the breeding season.
The Fieryblack Shiner is a peaceful species best suited for a community tank with similarly temperate, non-aggressive fish. Ideal tankmates include other small, hardy species such as Danios, Barbs, and other peaceful Shiners. Due to their active swimming habits, fieryblack shiners do well in aquariums with fish that enjoy similar water conditions, avoiding slow-moving or long-finned species that their energetic nature might stress. To ensure compatibility, it is advisable to keep tankmates that thrive in moderately fast-flowing, well-oxygenated water.
As a shoaling species, Fieryblack Shiners are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least six to eight individuals. This grouping allows them to exhibit natural behaviours and reduces stress, as solitary individuals or small numbers may become anxious or less active. In the wild, they are known to swim in large schools, and maintaining this dynamic in the aquarium helps mimic their natural environment, promoting overall health and vitality. A well-sized group enhances their vibrant appearance and dynamic interactions and swimming patterns.
To recreate the natural habitat of Fieryblack Shiners, it is crucial to provide a tank with well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water, as they are native to clear, cool streams and rivers in the southeastern United States. A strong filter or powerhead can help create the necessary water movement. Substrate should be composed of fine gravel or sand to mimic their native streambeds, and a mixture of smooth rocks and driftwood can offer hiding spots while simulating natural river features. While the species does not require dense planting, a few hardy aquatic plants can provide additional cover without hindering water flow. Regular water changes and maintaining pristine water quality are essential, as fieryblack shiners are sensitive to deteriorating conditions.
The Fieryblack Shiner displays distinctive markings, including a red snout, a narrow black stripe running along its back, and a black edge on the caudal fin. Dark shading also appears on the sides of the head, just behind the gill cover. During the breeding season, males experience a dramatic colour transformation, with their snouts becoming a bright, vibrant red while their backs shift to a blue hue. The caudal fin showcases striking red and white bands, and all other fins turn a crisp white, enhancing the overall vibrancy of their appearance.
Availability
The Fieryblack Shiner isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Fieryblack Shiners is quite pronounced, particularly during the breeding season. Males are generally more vividly coloured than females, displaying brighter and more intense hues, especially during mating displays. Outside breeding, males typically exhibit more slender and streamlined bodies than slightly larger and rounder females. These physical differences, especially the males' vibrant display, are key identifiers for distinguishing between the sexes in this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cyprinella pyrrhomelas |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1870 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Cyprinella |
| Origins | United States |
| Approx Max Size | 11 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| ℉ | 64 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 24 |
Natural Habitat
Fieryblack Shiners are native to North and South Carolina, where they are found above the Fall Line, from the Piedmont region to the mountainous areas of the Pee Dee and Santee river systems. They inhabit cool, clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky substrates, thriving in creeks and small to moderately-sized rivers that provide the oxygen-rich environments they require.
Breeding
During breeding, male Fieryblack Shiners use their large, colourful fins for impressive mating displays. They have been observed engaging in territorial behaviour, circling one another with fins fully flared to assert dominance. Females lay their eggs in sheltered areas, such as submerged logs and crevices, opting to spawn multiple times between May and June rather than releasing all their eggs at once. Although males actively defend their territories during this period, they do not provide parental care for the young once the eggs are deposited.
Diet & Feeding
Fieryblack Shiners have a diverse diet that reflects their natural habitat in fast-flowing, clear waters. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, insects, and algae, taking advantage of the food sources available in their rocky stream environments. In an aquarium setting, they readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality dried options like flakes and small pellets, as well as live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. A balanced diet comprising protein-rich and plant-based food sources is essential to maintaining their health, vibrant colouration, and overall vitality. Regular feeding with a varied diet ensures that Fieryblack Shiners thrive in captivity, mirroring the diversity of their natural foraging behaviour.
Other Minnows
Published: 08 Oct 2024
Last Updated: 08 Oct 2024