Iowa DNR
BioNet
River & Stream Biological Monitoring
Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Surveys
Physical Habitat Assessments

Emerald Shiner Notropis atherinoides

Family
Leuciscidae (Minnows)
Tolerance
Intermediate
Trophic Class
Insectivore
Is Exotic to Iowa?
False
Is Lithophilous Spawner?
False
Is Hybrid?
False
State Listing Status
Not Listed
Assessment Program Statistics

This species was found at 115 bioassessment sites, 1 rapid fish bioassessment site, 29 fisheries assessment sites, and 4 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 149 distinct sites, or 9.8% of the 1513 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 43rd most commonly collected species.

The Emerald Shiner was collected in 185 bioassessment sampling sessions and 34 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 1 rapid bioassessment session and 4 presence-only sessions.

The biological assessment program has collected a total of 12,855 individual Emerald Shiner specimens, ranking it the #29 most collected fish.

Species Characteristics

The Emerald Shiner has an elliptical body shape and is slab-sided. They look fragile and delicate, but it is a hardy minnow. Their mouth is large, terminal, oblique, and has no barbel. The transparent dorsal fin has 8 rays, and it is behind the insertion of the pelvic fins. The anal fin has 10 to 12 rays, and the pectoral fins have 13 to 17 rays. Hooked pharyngeal teeth on strong arches are arranged in a 2, 4-4, 2 pattern. It has an emerald-green back, a distinct silver lateral band, and a white belly. A complete lateral line has 35 to 41 scales.

Species Distribution Maps

HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found