Golden Shiner – Notemigonus crysoleucas

Golden Shiner – Notemigonus crysoleucas

The Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) is a hardy, fast-swimming North American species admired for its shimmering gold body and lively schooling behavior. Commonly found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, Golden Shiners are excellent for large aquariums, pond setups, or as active dither fish in community tanks.

Their metallic scales reflect light beautifully, adding a bright, natural look to any setup. Known for their resilience and adaptability, Golden Shiners tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them a favorite among hobbyists and pond keepers alike.

Features:

• 🐟 Scientific Name: Notemigonus crysoleucas
• 🌎 Origin: North America
• 🌈 Coloration: Shimmering gold or silvery-gold with translucent fins
• 💧 Temperament: Peaceful and schooling
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – accepts flakes, pellets, algae, and frozen foods
• 🪸 Tank Level: Mid to top

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 60–75°F
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• KH: 4–15 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (school of 6+)
• Environment: Open swimming space with plants or pond habitat

Behavior & Compatibility:
Golden Shiners are peaceful, active schooling fish that do best in groups of 6 or more. Ideal for outdoor ponds, large freshwater aquariums, or natural biotope setups. Compatible with other peaceful pond or community fish such as goldfish, koi, and danios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Golden Shiners peaceful?
A: Yes — they are calm, schooling fish that do well with other peaceful species.

Q: Can Golden Shiners live in ponds?
A: Absolutely! They thrive in outdoor ponds and are cold-tolerant.

Q: How large do they get?
A: Adults typically grow to 4–6 inches.

Q: What do they eat?
A: They’re omnivores — feed flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms or daphnia.

Q: Can I keep them with goldfish or koi?
A: Yes, they’re compatible and make great companions in community pond environments.