Golden Shiner
(Notemigonus chrysoleucas)
Common name – Golden Shiner
Description – A golden hue with reddish fins is typical of this species that has a small soft-rayed dorsal fin and like other shiners has a lateral line (the series of sensory holes along the side of a fish) that dips downward.
Range – Widely distributed along the east coast of North America from Canada south and throughout Florida and as far west as the Dakotas.
Habitat – Typical of vegetated ponds and lakes, also found in slack waters of rivers.
Spawning Habits – Shiners lay their sticky eggs primarily on vegetative substrates. In hatcheries mats are laid out to collect the eggs. Breeders are over one year old and typically 3-8 inches long. Males are significantly smaller than females at the same age.
Feeding habits – Shiners consume small insects, tiny mollusks, small fishes and perhaps algae.
Age and Growth – They live up to about 5 years and reach a maximum size of nearly one foot.
Sporting Qualities – Golden shiners are one of the most popular baits used by anglers seeking trophy bass. However, their small delicate scales dislodge easily and they require careful handling.
Eating Qualities – N/A
State Record – N/A
Information courtesy of MyFWC
