American red fin orfe - Cyprinella lutrensis

Scientifically called Cyprinella lutriensis (BAIRD & GIRARD, 1853), the American redfin or fe is a wonderfully colorful pontoon to the usual koi and originates from the United States, as well as Mexico. At the time it appeared in Otter Creek in Arkansas, which is why the epithet "lutrensis", which translates from Latin as "otter", was attached to it. This colorful biotope fish belongs to the carp family and can be kept in garden ponds, mini ponds and cold water aquariums. In its country of origin it is also called "Red Shiner" and is a popular target fish among anglers.

Estuaries of larger rivers, as well as fast flowing waters are the habitat of the American Redfin. However, stagnant dredge and reservoir lakes are also among them. Fluctuating water values are no problem for them, which is why they are also well suited for aquaristic or pond beginners. However, a very good current is important in any case. As substrate in the aquarium from 80 cm edge length (better more) a coarser gravel is suitable, in the pond it prefers sandy corners. The water should be basically oxygen-rich and well maintained, with a good external filter this can be easily accomplished.

In the pond the redfin orfes are only conditionally winterproof, from 10 °C they should be wintered therefore better in the cold water aquarium. A mixture of weedy bank planting and sufficient swimming space suits them. The pond should also have a depth of at least 80-120 centimeters. Temperatures above 25 °C should be avoided. As group fish they should preferably be kept in shoals of 10-20 individuals.

The high-backed American Redfinorfen are rather silvery to gray in base color, their backs somewhat darker, the belly light. Especially during mating season their fins turn red. Their flanks shimmer bluish. The reproduction of the pretty redfin orfe with in the pond quite possible. The spawning season is from spring to late summer. The females lay up to 16 strings with nearly 60 eggs between pebbles, so these can support the spawning behavior.

The omnivorous animals should better not be socialized with invertebrates like shrimps or snails, but also dwarf crabs. They also feed on the spawn of other fellow fish, so it is better to keep them only by species. In general, they mainly feed on approaching insects and mosquito larvae, but also on algae and the accompanying fauna in them. With a flake food for pond fish they can be fed quite uncomplicated.