Fin's Fish Guide
The Rosyface shiner (Notropis rubellus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel bottoms.
Description
The rosyface shiner is a slender cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 11 cm. The slender body has a greenish back, a shiny silvery flank and large eyes; in the breeding season the snout and head of the males turn rosy red, from which the species takes its name. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel bottoms. Just below the surface and in the water column it eats drifting insects, zooplankton and algae. In spring it spawns in schools on gravel bars. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rosyface shiner?
The Rosyface shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender shiner with a greenish back and a silvery flank; at spawning time the snout and head turn pink-red.
Where does the Rosyface shiner live?
The Rosyface shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel bottoms.
How big does the Rosyface shiner get?
The Rosyface shiner grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Rosyface shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Rosyface shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rosyface shiner edible?
The Rosyface shiner is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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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 Rosyface shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.