Fin's Fish Guide
The Taillight shiner (Notropis maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The taillight shiner is a small freshwater minnow from the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender body with a dark longitudinal stripe and a conspicuous dark spot on the tail base that stands out like a 'taillight'; breeding males develop red tints. It schools in slow, weedy water of swamps and pools and feeds on small zooplankton and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Taillight shiner?
The Taillight shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Dark caudal blotch as a 'tail light'; schooling swamp fish
Where does the Taillight shiner live?
The Taillight shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern United States
How big does the Taillight shiner get?
The Taillight shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Taillight shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Taillight 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 Taillight shiner edible?
The Taillight 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 Taillight shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Taillight shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.