Red Shiner
Variant Names: Red-Horse Minnow
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Description:
Cyprinella is Greek for "small carp" and lutrensis is derived from the Latin lutra which means "otter," a reference to Otter Creek, Arkansas, where the species was first captured. Coloration is similar to the blacktail shiner, olive green above and silver on the sides. Spawning males become bluish on the sides and the fins redden. There are 7-8 rays in the dorsal fin. The anal fin has 8-10 rays (usually 9). Maximum size is only about 3.5 inches. The species is sometimes confused with the golden shiner and exotic minnows such as the rudd and roach.
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Biology:
The red shiner spawns over an extended period of time from spring into fall months, with a peak from early to mid-summer. Spawning may occur on riffles, on or near submerged objects, over vegetation beds, or in association with sunfish nests. Adults typically school in midwater or near the surface. The species is thought to feed primarily on small invertebrates.
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