Spottail Shiner

Notropis hudsonius is a widespread and commonly encountered shiner of cool northern lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from Hudson Bay south to the Carolinas. Its most diagnostic feature is the bold black spot at the base of the caudal fin, clearly visible even at a distance in a swimming school. The body is streamlined and silver, built for sustained open-water swimming in large groups.

In the aquarium, Spottail Shiners are active, fast-swimming schooling fish that require a long, open tank with strong filtration and cool temperatures. Like other open-water shiners, they suffer in overcrowded or poorly oxygenated conditions. Schools of eight or more produce the most natural behaviour and the most attractive display.

They accept a variety of small meaty and prepared foods and are less finicky than some related species. Their cool-water requirements and large school size make them best suited to dedicated native fish aquarists with appropriately sized, temperature-controlled setups.

Water: 10–22 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, moderate to hard; strong filtration and oxygenation essential. Tank: 150 L minimum; open swimming area, minimal décor, fine gravel substrate. Feeding: Live/frozen Daphnia, small Artemia, micro-pellets; feeds actively in open water. Breeding: Open-water broadcaster; seldom achieved in home aquaria. Compatibility: Peaceful; keep in schools of 8+; compatible with other cool-water native species.