Common shiner
| Common shiner | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Genus: | Luxilus |
| Species: | L. cornutus |
| Binomial name | |
| Luxilus cornutus (Mitchill, 1817) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Notropis cornutus | |
The common shiner (Luxilus cornutus) is a freshwater fish of the Cyprinidae family, found in North America. It ranges in length between 4 and 6 inches, although they can reach lengths of up to 8 inches.[1]
Description
The common shiner is silvery colored (sometimes bronze) and has an "olive back with a dark dorsal stripe." [2]
The common shiner is a freshwater fish that can be found in North America. Adults inhabit rocky pools in small to medium rivers. They can live to be approximately 6 years old.[2]
They are considered sexually mature by 7.4 cm. Breeding males have a pinkish tint over most of their body and small bumps or tubercles on their head.[2]
In comparison with other Notropis, the common shiner's head, eyes, and mouth are large.[1]
Habitat
The common shiner can be found in rivers and streams, usually in the faster pools. It can also be found in ponds and lakes. [2]
Breeding
Common shiners spawn in spring, usually over the nest of a creek chub, river chub, or fallfish, although some males will make their own small nests. Gravel in riffles is also possible.[1] Once the eggs are ready the male guards the nesting site. [2]
Common shiners are known to hybridize with other shiner species.[1]
Diet
The common shiner eats "terrestrial and aquatic insects, vegetation, and other fishes." [2]
Predators
Predators of the common shiner include fish (such as the smallmouth bass and chain pickerel) and birds (i.e. mergansers and kingfishers). [2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Common Shiner (Notropis cornutus)". Archived from the original on 2008-05-04. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Common Shiner". Retrieved 2008-06-06.