Fin's Fish Guide
The Warpaint shiner (Luxilus coccogenis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of south-eastern North America (the Tennessee basin), in clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel.
Description
The warpaint shiner is a shiny silver cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 14 cm. The laterally compressed body has a blue-silver sheen, a black band in the dorsal fin and striking red edges on head, gill cover and fins that give the species its apt name; in the breeding season these colours grow even brighter. The species lives in schools in clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel in southeastern North America, in the Tennessee drainage. As an omnivore it eats insects from the surface and bottom, algae and small crustaceans. In late spring it spawns over gravel, often on the nests of other minnows. Because of its colour it is sought after by keepers of native aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Warpaint shiner?
The Warpaint shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Glossy silvery cyprinid with red margins on the head and fins and a black band in the dorsal fin; hence the name 'war paint'.
Where does the Warpaint shiner live?
The Warpaint 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, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel.
How big does the Warpaint shiner get?
The Warpaint shiner grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Warpaint shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Warpaint shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Warpaint shiner edible?
The Warpaint 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 Luxilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Warpaint shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.