Fin's Fish Guide
The Saffron shiner (Notropis rubricroceus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fast-flowing mountain streams of the southern Appalachians in North America.
Description
The Saffron shiner is a North American minnow (Leuciscidae) from clear streams and rivers of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body, in spawning males often with red or yellow tints and a dark lengthwise stripe. As a social schooling fish it swims in the water column and snaps at insect larvae, small plankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Saffron shiner?
The Saffron shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Spawning males turn saffron yellow to red-orange; indicator of clean mountain water.
Where does the Saffron shiner live?
The Saffron shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fast-flowing mountain streams of the southern Appalachians in North America.
How big does the Saffron shiner get?
The Saffron shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Saffron shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Saffron shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Saffron shiner edible?
The Saffron 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 Saffron shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Saffron shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.