Fin's Fish Guide
The Common shiner (Luxilus cornutus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in cool, clear flowing streams and rivers with gravel bottoms.
Description
The common shiner is a slender, bright silvery cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 18 cm. The laterally compressed body has a deep, bluish-shining flank; in the breeding season the male takes on pink and purplish tints and horny breeding tubercles on the head, to which the scientific name cornutus ('horned') refers. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern and central North America and lives in schools in cool, clear-flowing streams and rivers with gravel bottoms. It feeds on insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans and algae. In late spring it spawns on gravel, often over the nests of other cyprinids. It is a common prey and bait fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common shiner?
The Common shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, bright silver cyprinid with a deep, bluish-shining flank; in the spawning season the male develops pink tints and horny breeding tubercles on the head.
Where does the Common shiner live?
The Common shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in cool, clear flowing streams and rivers with gravel bottoms.
How big does the Common shiner get?
The Common shiner grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Common shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Common shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common shiner edible?
The Common shiner is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Luxilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.