Hi, I have a 29g (which will probably not be set up until this summer) that I am considering stocking with native Michigan species and recreating a small section of stream. I am looking at one of the following: Rhinichthys obtusus, Pimephales notatus, or Chrosomus erythrogaster (which I realize is state endangered in MI). I see them recommended a lot on this forum, and they seem easy to keep.

However, given their potential to reach 4 inches (the first 2 anyway) and their rather active nature, would these be good choices for a 29g? I will not have the option of upgrading to a larger tank for the foreseeable future, and I would rather not have a school of large-ish fish pacing back and forth in my little tank.

Incidentally, does anyone know what the MI DNR's position is on keeping SRBD in aquariums? I sent them an email a little while back, but I have yet to hear from anyone.

Thanks!

In my experience, as minnows go, in my experience with one individual, western blacknose dace are fairly aggressive. Constantly chasing others and harrassing other fish and often attempting mating with every fish close to their size. Eastern are much more placid.

I wouldn't get the Southern Redbelly Dace; they are beautiful fishes which are easy to keep but it's not worth the potential trouble you will get from the Fish and Wildlife Service even though you purchased them elsewhere. Or, try calling the department to see what they think. I know I'm not allowed here in Iowa to purchase Least Darters or Orangethroat Darters from places like Zimmerman's since the darters are under endangered status here in Iowa, despite being secure elsewhere and derived from culture. The Rhinichthys I think would be a good choice, they aren't vigorous pelagic schoolers but more bottom pickers. They would probably appreciate natural surfaces to nibble aufwachs off of. Pimephales are easy to spawn if you were hoping for that.

I would stay away from the Southern Redbelly dace. In its place, try the northern redbelly dace, C. eos. It is not a listed species in Michigan and is much more widespread and abundant in our state. And just as beautiful. Most of the posters on this board are from the native range of the SRBD so it gets talked about more often.

I love blacknose dace in an aquarium. Get a small group as they are a high energy schooling fish and will be much happier with others of its kind. And their tank mates will be happier too.

Sounds like a nice group of fish, colorful and active. Easy to feed. Check out the DNR's web site, www.michigan.gov/dnr, go to the publications page. There is a fish atlas with range maps that will give you some ideas for a collecting trip.

Thanks for all the replies. Duly noted about the SRBD. I'll look into C. eos.

I take it that the other 2 will do fine in a 29g? What is considered a small group, 6-10?

MichiJim - It's funny you should mention the DNR fish atlas (I assume you mean this: http://www.michigan....30538--,00.html). That's how I decided upon P. notatus and R. obtusus as "typical" species found in SW MI.

Collecting may have to wait a year or so. I was actually considering purchasing this time around (another factor in my decision of the above species, as others like C. eos and N. heterodon are apparently not sold commercially). I know, I know, that's anathema on this forum. I love getting out in the water, but my wife and I both work and we have 3 small children, so spare time is an infrequent visitor at our house.