Fin's Fish Guide
The Tennessee shiner (Notropis leuciodus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of south-eastern North America (the Tennessee basin), in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel.
Description
The Tennessee shiner is a slender, silvery cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 8 cm. The body bears a dark stripe along the flank and a spot on the tail base; breeding males develop red tints on the head and fin bases. The species lives in schools in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel in southeastern North America, in the Tennessee drainage. As an omnivore it eats insects from the bottom and water column, algae and small crustaceans. In late spring it spawns over gravel, often on the nests other minnows build. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and an indicator of clear, healthy streams.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tennessee shiner?
The Tennessee shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silvery cyprinid with a dark longitudinal stripe and a blotch on the caudal peduncle; the male takes on red tints in the spawning season.
Where does the Tennessee shiner live?
The Tennessee shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of south-eastern North America (the Tennessee basin), in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel.
How big does the Tennessee shiner get?
The Tennessee shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Tennessee shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Tennessee shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tennessee shiner edible?
The Tennessee shiner is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Tennessee shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tennessee 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 Notropis
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Tennessee shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tennessee shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.