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What is a Golden Shiner?

Lynndee Molyneaux
Lynndee Molyneaux

A golden shiner, or Notemigonus crysoleucas, is a species of minnow fish typically found in the warm, shallow waters of lakes, ponds, streams, reservoirs, and marshes throughout North America. It generally has a golden or silvery sheen with an olive-colored back. The fins are usually colorless, but breeding males may have yellow, orange, or red pelvic and anal fins. As is characteristic of minnows, golden shiners are usually very small, though some can reach lengths of over 10 in (260 mm), with females generally being larger than males. Fishermen commonly use golden shiners as bait when trying to catch larger fish.

The golden shiner is most often found near aquatic plants, but may be seen in open waters at night. It can survive in temperatures of up to 97°F (36°C). Although the golden shiner is most commonly found in warm waters, it may sometimes make its home in cold temperatures, as long as there is a warm area for breeding in the vicinity.

A golden shiner generally has a golden or silvery sheen to its body.
A golden shiner generally has a golden or silvery sheen to its body.

This fish is nearly always found in groups, or schools, even when breeding, which is also known as spawning. Breeding season for the golden shiner usually takes place between March and September, when water temperatures reach 68°F (20°C). Females typically deposit between 2,700 and 4,700 eggs in the debris of sandbars. They will sometimes deposit their eggs in the nests of largemouth bass, which may lead to a higher survival rate for the young golden shiners because the largemouth bass protect their nests. Males swim behind the females and fertilize the eggs as soon as they are deposited.

Golden shiners may be found in the warm, shallow waters of lakes.
Golden shiners may be found in the warm, shallow waters of lakes.

After the eggs are deposited and fertilized, they receive no further care from the parent fish. Generally, the eggs hatch within four or five days. The newly hatched golden shiners typically stick together in large schools near the shore, and feed on rotifers and algae. In cold waters, the young golden shiners generally grow to lengths of 1.4 to 1.8 in (36 to 46 mm) within a year. In warm waters, they can reach lengths of 3 in (76 mm). Young fish can grow to lengths of up to 5.5 in (140 mm) by their second year of life, but after this, their growth rate typically slows significantly.

Golden shiners may be found in ponds.
Golden shiners may be found in ponds.

Once the golden shiner reaches maturity, it begins to feed mainly on zooplankton, insects, small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, such as water fleas and crayfish. In the event that food becomes scarce, adults have been known to eat algae. Its streamlined body, small head, and pointed snout aid in hunting. The fish mainly hunts by sight, so it is generally most active during the daytime.

Golden shiners sometimes deposit their eggs in the nests of largemouth bass, which are known to protect them.
Golden shiners sometimes deposit their eggs in the nests of largemouth bass, which are known to protect them.

The golden shiner is prey to larger fish, birds, and sea turtles. When predators are present, these fish often travel in schools, and, contrary to their typical behavior, avoid hunting during the daytime. Under these conditions, the golden shiner usually searches for food at night, when predators have a harder time seeing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Golden Shiner?

A Golden Shiner, scientifically known as Notemigonus crysoleucas, is a freshwater fish native to North America. It's a member of the carp family and is characterized by its shiny, golden-hued scales and streamlined body. They are commonly found in weedy lakes and slow-moving streams, serving as a vital food source for larger predatory fish.

How can you identify a Golden Shiner?

Golden Shiners are easily identifiable by their small, laterally compressed bodies with a distinct golden or brassy sheen. They have small, upturned mouths and a dorsal fin set far back on their bodies. Adult sizes typically range from 3 to 9 inches, making them a medium-sized baitfish.

What do Golden Shiners eat?

Golden Shiners are omnivorous, feeding primarily on zooplankton, algae, and small invertebrates. They forage in schools, often near the water's surface at dawn and dusk. Their diet plays a crucial role in controlling algae blooms and supporting the aquatic food web.

Where do Golden Shiners live?

Golden Shiners thrive in a variety of freshwater habitats across North America, from clear lakes to muddy ponds. They prefer calm waters with abundant vegetation, which provides both food and protection from predators. Their adaptability to different environments contributes to their widespread distribution.

Are Golden Shiners used for anything besides bait?

Beyond being a popular baitfish for anglers, Golden Shiners are also used in aquaculture and research. They serve as a model organism in scientific studies due to their hardiness and ease of breeding in captivity. Additionally, they play a role in pond management by consuming excess algae.

How do Golden Shiners reproduce?

Golden Shiners spawn in the spring and early summer when water temperatures reach about 68°F. Females lay sticky eggs on submerged vegetation, which hatch in just a few days. They are prolific breeders, with a single female capable of producing several thousand eggs per season, ensuring their population remains robust.

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    • A golden shiner generally has a golden or silvery sheen to its body.
      A golden shiner generally has a golden or silvery sheen to its body.
    • Golden shiners may be found in the warm, shallow waters of lakes.
      By: veneratio
      Golden shiners may be found in the warm, shallow waters of lakes.
    • Golden shiners may be found in ponds.
      By: Željko Radojko
      Golden shiners may be found in ponds.
    • Golden shiners sometimes deposit their eggs in the nests of largemouth bass, which are known to protect them.
      Golden shiners sometimes deposit their eggs in the nests of largemouth bass, which are known to protect them.