Fin's Fish Guide
The Comely shiner (Notropis amoenus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams of the Atlantic drainage area.
Description
The comely shiner is a slender, translucent silvery cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 11 cm. The slender body has large eyes, a greenish back and a shiny silvery lengthwise band along the flank. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams of the Atlantic drainage. It eats drifting insects, zooplankton and algae, taken in the water column and at the surface. In spring and summer it spawns in schools. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and is also used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Comely shiner?
The Comely shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, translucent silver small shiner with large eyes and a silver longitudinal band; a schooling fish of flowing water.
Where does the Comely shiner live?
The Comely shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams of the Atlantic drainage area.
How big does the Comely shiner get?
The Comely shiner grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Comely shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Comely shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Comely shiner edible?
The Comely shiner is not usually eaten.
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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 Comely shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Comely shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.