Common Shiner

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Common Shiner
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Notropis
Species: N. cornutus
Binomial name
Notropis cornutus
Synonyms

Luxilus cornutus

The Common Shiner (Notropis cornutus) is a cyprinid fish found in North America. They average in length between 2½ to 4 inches.[1]

Contents

[edit] Description

The Common Sniner is silvery colored (sometimes bronze) and has an "olive back with a dark dorsal stripe." [2]

In comparison with other Notropis, the Common Shiner's head, eyes, and mouth are larger.[1]

[edit] 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]

[edit] 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 Notropis species.[1]

[edit] Diet

The Common Shiner eats "terrestrial and aquatic insects, vegetation, and other fishes." [2]

[edit] Predators

Predators of the Common Shiner include fish (such as the smallmouth bass and chain pickerel and birds (i.e. mergansers and kingfishers). [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Common Shiner (Notropis cornutus). Retrieved on 2008-06-06.
  2. ^ a b c d e Common Shiner. Retrieved on 2008-06-06.