Fin's Fish Guide
The Mirror shiner (Notropis spectrunculus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The mirror shiner is a small cyprinid from the southeastern United States, in the upper Tennessee drainage in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body that earned its name from its reflective sheen. It lives in rocky, sandy and muddy pools and backwaters of high-gradient creeks and small rivers and feeds on small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mirror shiner?
The Mirror shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Reflecting silvery sheen; small schooling stream fish
Where does the Mirror shiner live?
The Mirror shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern United States
How big does the Mirror shiner get?
The Mirror shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Mirror shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Mirror shiner is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Mirror shiner edible?
The Mirror 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 Mirror shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mirror shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.