Native North American Fish for Aquariums (and the Rules on Collecting)

People pay good money for colorful fish from the other side of the world while some of the brightest fish anywhere live in the creek down the road. Native North American fish are made for river tanks: most come from cool, moving, clear water. They also come with rules.

Five natives worth a look

Rainbow darter A small bottom-dweller from rocky riffles. In spring the males turn bright blue and orange. Darters perch on rocks in the current and need clean, cool, well-oxygenated water. Most want live or frozen food like bloodworms.

Southern redbelly dace A peaceful schooling minnow from small, clear streams. Breeding males get a red belly and black stripes. Hardy and good in a cool tank.

Orangespotted sunfish One of the smallest sunfish, around 3 to 4 inches, with orange spots and a blue-green shine. Feisty, so give it space and keep only one male per tank.

Banded killifish A slim, striped fish found in quiet water and lake edges. Peaceful and hardy.

Rainbow shiner A bright pink-and-blue schooling minnow from Southeastern streams. One of the showiest natives, and sometimes available captive-bred.

Most of these do best without a heater in a room-temperature tank. See cold-water river tanks.

The rules on collecting

Collecting your own fish can be legal, but you have to check first. Rules are set by each state:

• You may need a fishing license, even for small non-game fish.
• Some species are protected. Many darters and minnows are threatened or endangered in some states. Taking one can bring a big fine.
• Gear is regulated. Dip nets and seines are allowed in some places, limited in others.
• Moving fish across state lines can break federal law. The Lacey Act makes it illegal to transport or sell fish taken in violation of state law.

Call or check the website of your state's Department of Natural Resources or fish and wildlife agency before you go out.

Never release them back

Once a fish has lived in your tank, it can carry diseases and parasites from your other fish. Don't put it back in the creek, and never release store-bought fish anywhere. Give it to another hobbyist or a store instead.

Where to start

The North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA) is a hobbyist group that organizes legal collecting trips and trades captive-bred natives. It's the best place to learn what's legal where you live, and to find fish without collecting them yourself.

Sources (3)

NANFA: North American Native Fishes Association · Aqueon: Collecting and Keeping Native Fish · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Lacey Act

Photo: Etheostoma caeruleum by Dick Biggins, USFWS, Public domain.

Related: Ten Fish That Thrive Best In A River Tank Style Aquarium (Riparium) · Underrated Freshwater Fish That Deserve a River Tank