Fin's Fish Guide
The Dusky shiner (Notropis cummingsae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Southeastern North America; clear or brown-coloured creeks and small rivers.
Description
The dusky shiner is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from southeastern North America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark lengthwise band along the flank. It inhabits pools and runs over sand and mud, usually in clear or tannin-stained creeks and small rivers. It lives in schools and feeds on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter from the water column and the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dusky shiner?
The Dusky shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark flank band; small schooling fish of clear and tannin-browned streams.
Where does the Dusky shiner live?
The Dusky shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern North America; clear or brown-coloured creeks and small rivers.
How big does the Dusky shiner get?
The Dusky shiner grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Dusky shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Dusky shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dusky shiner edible?
The Dusky 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 Dusky shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dusky shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.