Description

Golden shiners are a deep bodied minnow species with a distinctive golden olive-silver color. Their fins may appear from golden brown to orange-reddish in hue. Older fish have a more golden color while younger fish appear more silvery. This species has a distinctive scaleless strip on the underside between the pelvic fin and the anus. Also, the lateral line dips low on the sides of the fish, and there are no barbels on the mouth.

Habitat and Habits

Golden shiners prefer clean clear water with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. They are most common in slow moving streams, permanent wetlands, and natural lakes. Because they are a very popular baitfish many public reservoirs have small populations from fisherman releasing unused bait.

Reproduction and Care of the Young

Golden shiners spawn over a variety of materials, including sand, gravel, aquatic vegetation. They will also spawn over the nest of a sunfish leaving their eggs to be guarded by the male sunfish.

Quick Facts

• Fish Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps)


• Other Names: Shiner


• Ohio Status: No special status


• Adult Size: Typically 4-7 inches, can reach 11 inches.


• Typical Foods: Plant matter, insects, snails, and crustaceans.