Fauna
Species

Emerald Shiner

Notropis atherinoides

Also known as Lake Emerald Shiner, Buckeye Shiner

Emerald shiners are slender, iridescent schooling minnows that form shimmering shoals of thousands near the surface of open waters. They undergo pronounced diel vertical migrations, retreating to deeper water during daylight hours to evade predators and surging into warm shallows at nightfall to graze on plankton. These prolific forage fish serve as a vital trophic bridge in North American waterways, transforming microscopic invertebrates into biomass that sustains economically and ecologically crucial game fish.

SchoolingFreshwaterIridescent
Emerald Shiner reference1 / 7
Andrew Kornacki USACE / Public Domain (US Army) · Public Domain (US Army)
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDaphnia, Chironomid Midges, Copepods
Predators
  • Walleye
  • Yellow Perch
  • Common Tern
ThreatsWater pollution, agricultural runoff, and invasive predatory fish
HabitatsLarge open lakes, deep river channels, and impoundments
Life span3–4 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCyprinidae
  2. SpeciesNotropis atherinoides
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look down from piers or breakwaters after dusk with a soft headlamp to spot schooling activity.
  • Bait handling: Keep water oxygenated and cool if holding minnows for angling bait.
  • Habitat care: Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by never dumping unused bait minnows into unmanaged waters.
Related species
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