Bridle Shiner

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The Bridle Shiner (Notropis bifrenatus)is a member of the Minnow family (Cyprinidae). It is found in eastern North America from eastern Lake Ontario east to Maine and south to South Carolina. In Ontario, it is known from lowland areas in the eastern Lake Ontario drainage and the St. Lawrence River. The most stable population is found around the Thousand Islands.

This species has been identified as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

It has the following characteristics:

  • Small, slender body, somewhat compressed laterally
  • Average length of Ontario adults 50 mm
  • Snout length usually smaller than eye diameter
  • Small, angular, terminal mouth
  • Large scales, lateral line incomplete
  • Straw-coloured, silvery above with a green-blue iridescence and silvery-white on underparts
  • Prominent black lateral band from tail to snout
  • Males develop minute nuptial tubercles on the head, nape and pectoral fin

Contents

[edit] Distribution

[edit] Habitat and Life History

The Bridle Shiner is found in quiet areas of streams and occasionally in lakes. It is usually associated with abundant submersed aquatic vegetation and where the bottom is composed of silt or sand and silt. It uses the vegetation for protection, feeding and spawning. It has been found in moderately turbid water but prefers clear water.


[edit] Diet

The Bridle Shiner mainly feeds on zooplankton and aquatic insect larvae such as chironomids. Plant materials make up a small portion of their diet.

[edit] Threats

Like all members of the Minnow family, they can be prey for larger fish species such as Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui) and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens).

This species is sensitive to poor water quality and high turbidity, particularly in agricultural areas. In areas where zebra mussels have invaded, the improved water clarity may benefit this species. The densely growing Eurasian Watermilfoil aquatic plant hinders spawning areas for the minnow and may contribute to its decline.

[edit] Similar Species

Sand Shiner (Notropis stramineus) and Mimic Shiner (Notropis volucellus) are similar but lack a prominent lateral band.


[edit] Text Sources:

Holm et al. 1998; Scott and Crossman 1998.

For more information, visit the SARA Registry Website at www.SARAregistry.gc.ca.