Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitetail shiner (Cyprinella galactura) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Fresh water of the south-east of the US, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The whitetail shiner is a slender cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 15 cm. The silvery-blue body has two conspicuous white spots at the base of the tail fin, from which the species takes its name; breeding males turn steel-blue and develop tubercles on the head. The species is native to the fresh water of the southeastern USA and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stone bottoms. It eats drifting insects, zooplankton and algae. In spring and summer it lays the eggs in crevices among stones or wood, which the male guards. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitetail shiner?
The Whitetail shiner has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silvery-blue small shiner with two conspicuous white blotches at the base of the caudal fin; the male turns bluish in the spawning season.
Where does the Whitetail shiner live?
The Whitetail shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of the south-east of the US, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Whitetail shiner get?
The Whitetail shiner grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Whitetail shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitetail shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Whitetail shiner edible?
The Whitetail shiner is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Cyprinella
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitetail shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitetail shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.