Fin's Fish Guide
The Highfin shiner (Notropis altipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The highfin shiner is a small North American cyprinid from the Atlantic slope of the southeastern United States. The species reaches about 6 cm, has a slender, silvery body with a dark lateral stripe and owes its name to the relatively tall dorsal fin. It inhabits pools and sometimes faster runs of sandy and rocky creeks and small to medium rivers, where it lives in schools in the open water column. The diet consists mainly of aquatic and surface-caught insects. Because of its small size the species has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Highfin shiner?
The Highfin shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Relatively tall dorsal fin; schooling fish of clear south-eastern streams.
Where does the Highfin shiner live?
The Highfin shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Atlantic slope of the south-east of the United States.
How big does the Highfin shiner get?
The Highfin shiner grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Highfin shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Highfin shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Highfin shiner edible?
The Highfin 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 Highfin shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Highfin shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.