Fin's Fish Guide
The Swallowtail shiner (Notropis procne) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Fresh water of the east of the US, in sandy streams and rivers of the Atlantic drainage area.
Description
The swallowtail shiner is a small, slender cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 7 cm. The silvery body has a dark lengthwise stripe running from the snout to a spot on the tail base. The species is native to the fresh water of the eastern USA and lives in schools in sandy streams and rivers of the Atlantic drainage. It eats zooplankton, small insects, algae and detritus, taken from the water column and the bottom. In spring and summer it spawns in pits on sandbars. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is an important prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Swallowtail shiner?
The Swallowtail shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, slender shiner with a dark longitudinal stripe from the snout to a blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Swallowtail shiner live?
The Swallowtail shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the east of the US, in sandy streams and rivers of the Atlantic drainage area.
How big does the Swallowtail shiner get?
The Swallowtail shiner grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Swallowtail shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Swallowtail shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Swallowtail shiner edible?
The Swallowtail 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
Want the complete picture on the Swallowtail shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Swallowtail shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.