Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye shiner (Notropis boops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The bigeye shiner is a small, slender cyprinid from the central and southern United States. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with conspicuously large eyes and a dark lengthwise stripe. It inhabits flowing, usually clear and rocky pools of creeks and small to medium rivers and often stays near emergent bank vegetation. In schools it feeds mainly on insects at the water surface. The species has no commercial value and is completely harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye shiner?
The Bigeye shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Strikingly large eyes and a dark longitudinal stripe.
Where does the Bigeye shiner live?
The Bigeye shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the central and southern United States.
How big does the Bigeye shiner get?
The Bigeye shiner grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Bigeye shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye shiner is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bigeye shiner edible?
The Bigeye shiner is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Notropis
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.