Wednesday June 4, 2025
Common names: Golden Shiner
Scientific name: Notemigonus crysoleucas
Native range: Eastern North America
Status: Least concern
Habitat: Slower moving freshwater, typically in vegetated areas
The golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) is a small freshwater fish native to eastern North America. It typically grows between 3 and 7 inches in length, though some individuals can reach up to 12 inches. It has a deep, laterally compressed body with a golden or silvery sheen, a deeply forked tail, and a small, upturned mouth adapted for feeding near the surface. Golden shiners are omnivorous, consuming plankton, algae, insects, and small crustaceans. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, often preferring vegetated areas. These fish can tolerate low-oxygen and even slightly brackish water and form large schools, reducing predation risk. Spawning occurs in warm months when golden shiners scatter their eggs over vegetation, leaving them to develop without parental care. Golden shiners are widely used as baitfish due to their hardiness and availability. In some areas, they have been introduced beyond their native range, where they can impact local ecosystems by competing with native species.
Fun fact: The golden shiner is the only member of its genus!