Fin's Fish Guide
The Coastal shiner (Notropis petersoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The coastal shiner is a small cyprinid from the southeastern United States, on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain. The species reaches about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body. It occurs over sandy bottoms in pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, and also in spring runs and lakes. The fish lives in schools and feeds on aquatic insects and small zooplankton. Owing to its small size the species has no direct fishery value, but it is a common and typical inhabitant of the coastal-plain waters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Coastal shiner?
The Coastal shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small schooling fish of sandy pools on the coastal plain.
Where does the Coastal shiner live?
The Coastal shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern USA, on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain.
How big does the Coastal shiner get?
The Coastal shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Coastal shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Coastal shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Coastal shiner edible?
The Coastal 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 Coastal shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Coastal shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.