| 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 is a fish found in North America. They average in length between 2½ to 4 inches.[1]
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The Common Shiner 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]
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]
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]
The Common Shiner eats "terrestrial and aquatic insects, vegetation, and other fishes." [2]
Predators of the Common Shiner include fish (such as the smallmouth bass and chain pickerel) and birds (i.e. mergansers and kingfishers). [2]