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Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) — Cyprinidae

Yellowfin shiner

Notropis lutipinnis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the southeastern United States (Atlantic and Gulf drainages).
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The yellowfin shiner is a small North American minnow (Cyprinidae) from the southeastern United States. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with yellowish fins; breeding males turn orange-red. It reaches about 7 cm and inhabits clear, rocky pools of headwaters, creeks and small rivers. The fish lives in schools and is active by day; the diet consists of insects, small invertebrates and algae. Because of its small size the species has no fishery value, but as an inhabitant of clear water it is sensitive to pollution.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellowfin shiner?

The Yellowfin shiner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Yellowish fins; males in spawning condition orange-red; inhabitant of clear, rocky water.

Where does the Yellowfin shiner live?

The Yellowfin shiner lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the southeastern United States (Atlantic and Gulf drainages).

How big does the Yellowfin shiner get?

The Yellowfin shiner grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Yellowfin shiner dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellowfin shiner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Yellowfin shiner edible?

The Yellowfin shiner is not usually eaten.

More photos

Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) mlime, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jason Lins, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Joshua Rains, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) dlee007, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellowfin shiner verified
Scientific name
Notropis lutipinnis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Yellowfin shiner verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the southeastern United States (Atlantic and Gulf drainages). inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, small invertebrates and algae sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Yellowish fins; males in spawning condition orange-red; inhabitant of clear, rocky water. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Notropis

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