Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Fresh water of eastern and central North America, in standing to slow-moving water of lakes, ponds and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The golden shiner is a slender cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 32 cm but usually much smaller. The strongly compressed body has a gold-sheened flank and a sharp, scaleless keel along the belly between the pelvic and anal fins. The small mouth is angled upward. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern and central North America and lives in schools in still to slow water of lakes, ponds and marshes with abundant water plants. It eats zooplankton, insects, algae and plant matter. Because of its hardiness it is widely farmed and used as live bait, and is an important prey for predatory fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden shiner?
The Golden shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Slender, strongly laterally flattened cyprinid with a gold-shining flank and a sharp, scaleless ventral keel.
Where does the Golden shiner live?
The Golden shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of eastern and central North America, in standing to slow-moving water of lakes, ponds and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Golden shiner get?
The Golden shiner grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the Golden shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden shiner edible?
The Golden shiner is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
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