Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear streams and small rivers with gravel and pebble bottoms.
Description
The striped shiner is a shiny silver cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 18 cm. The laterally compressed body has a blue-silver sheen and dark, V-shaped streaks on the back that give the species its name; breeding males develop pink tints and small breeding tubercles on the head. The species lives in schools in clear streams and small rivers with gravel and pebble bottoms in central and eastern North America. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, algae and plant matter. In late spring it spawns over gravel, often on the nests of other minnows. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish and a much-used bait fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped shiner?
The Striped shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy silvery cyprinid with dark, V-shaped marks on the back; in the spawning season the male develops pink tints and breeding tubercles.
Where does the Striped shiner live?
The Striped shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear streams and small rivers with gravel and pebble bottoms.
How big does the Striped shiner get?
The Striped shiner grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Striped shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped shiner edible?
The Striped shiner is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Striped shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Luxilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.