Fish Iowa - Fish Species - Redfin shiner

Characteristics

Terete and strongly compressed laterally. The back is bluish-silvery with more silver on the sides, and white beneath. Spawning males become bright steel-blue on the back, fins redden, and tubercles develop on the head. There is a prominent black spot at the frontal base of the dorsal fin which extends into the first few rays. A terminal mouth is slightly oblique and no barbel is present. Hooked pharyngeal teeth on slender arches are arranged in a formula of 2, 4-4, 2. The complete lateral line may have 40 to 48 scales, and it is strongly de-curved. Dorsal and pelvic fins have 8 rays, while the pectoral fins has 12 or 13 rays, and the anal fin has 11 rays.

Foods

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Expert Tip

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Details

The Redfin Shiner prefers streams with aquatic plants, which probably limits its distribution because vegetation in Iowa streams is somewhat rare. Spawning occurs from spring through mid-summer, and this species may use the nests of sunfish for egg deposition. Adults reach about 3-inches long, and are found in large groups near the surface.

Recent stream sampling information is available from Iowa DNR's biological monitoring and assessment program.

State Record(s)

Master Angler Catches