Fin's Fish Guide
The Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of eastern and central North America, in lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers with clear bottoms.
Description
The mimic shiner is a small, translucent silvery cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 8 cm. The slender body has large eyes and a silvery lengthwise band; it is one of the many North American shiners that are hard to tell apart. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern and central North America and lives in large schools in lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers with clear bottoms. It eats zooplankton, small insects and algae, taken in the water column and at the surface. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger predators and is also used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mimic shiner?
The Mimic shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, translucent silver shiner with large eyes; one of the many hard-to-distinguish North American shiners.
Where does the Mimic shiner live?
The Mimic shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of eastern and central North America, in lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers with clear bottoms.
How big does the Mimic shiner get?
The Mimic shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Mimic shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Mimic shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mimic shiner edible?
The Mimic 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mimic shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.