Endangered Species Guidesheet

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TOPEKA SHINER

Notropis topeka

The Topeka shiner is a minnow with an olive-yellow back and distinctly dark-edged scales. A dark stripe runs along the fish's silvery sides. This shiner has declined in Missouri because of environmental pollution, siltation, and loss or alteration of habitat caused by construction of watershed impoundments and stream channelization (straightening). The species is listed ENDANGERED by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is considered a CANDIDATE for federal listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Identification

The Topeka shiner is a small minnow averaging 1.5 to 2 inches long. It has an olive-yellow back with dark-edged scales and silvery-white sides and belly. A dark stripe runs along the fish's sides and extends on to the head.

All of the fins are plain except for the tail fin, which has a triangular black spot at its base. The anal fin has six to eight rays, usually seven. There is a dark stripe on the back in front of the dorsal fin. Breeding males have orange-red fins and orange-tinted heads and bodies.

The upper jaw does not extend beyond the front of the eye. Numerous bumps are located on the snout, the top of the head, most of the body and along the rays of some of the fins. The bumps are largest and most numerous around the head.

For a technical description of this animal, refer to:

Cross, F. B. 1967. Handbook of Fishes of Kansas. University of Kansas' Museum of Natural History. Miscellaneous Publication 45:1-357. Pflieger, W. L. 1975. The Fishes of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 343 pp.

Life History

The Topeka shiner swims midwater or near the surface in schools. It is often found with the redfin, bigmouth, sand, common, and red shiners, and the bluntnose minnow. The Topeka shiner probably eats insects although its food habits are not well documented.

Topeka shiners spawn in silt-free gravel from late May to mid-July. They spawn over the nests of green and orangespotted sunfish. Males are larger than females and they defend small territories around the edge of sunfish nests.

The maximum life span of the Topeka shiner is three summers. The Topeka shiner reaches a length of 0.8 to 1.6 inches by the end of its first summer of life. At the end of its second summer the Topeka shiner is 1.4 to 2.2 inches long and is sexually mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Topeka shiners inhabit small, quiet pools in clear upland creeks. Creek bottoms are mostly sand, gravel, or rubble. Permanent pools are available to fish even when streams stop flowing because water seeps through the streambed.

This species is not abundant at any location, but the largest concentrations occur in small streams in central Missouri. The Topeka shiner inhabits streams in Boone, Cooper, and Moniteau counties. There are also isolated populations located in northeast, northwest and west central Missouri. Historical reports of Topeka shiners suggest a former more widespread distribution in north central and west central Missouri. Cause of Historic Decline The Topeka shiner has declined throughout most of its historic range in the U.S. It is sensitive to habitat changes that result in diminished water quality. Land clearing for agricultural cultivation and urban development has increased the amounts of sediment and decreased the number of permanent pools.

In Missouri, the Topeka shiner's decline is attributed to environmental pollution and the loss or alteration of habitat caused by watershed impoundments and stream channelization. Recent surveys found Topeka shiners at only 15 of 72 historic localities and 6 of 66 new localities. These remaining populations have become localized and are vulnerable to destruction.

Current Threats to Topeka Shiner

• Alteration or loss of habitat Stream channelization, levee construction and impoundments change water flow, temperature and quality of streams. Impoundments also change the local hydrology which can result in higher numbers of fish species that prey on small minnows such as the Topeka shiner. The removal of riparian vegetation also degrades stream habitat.
• Animal containment areas Cattle, hog, and poultry feed lot operations are located around the state. Several major fish die-offs have occurred from high levels of nutrients after manure holding areas have discharged into streams.
• Gravel removal operations Removal of the stream substrate can diminish stream quality. Gravel removal operations increase sedimentation, alter stream flows, elevate water temperatures and affect the permanent pools needed by small fish. Instream gravel removal during mid-May through July can disrupt Topeka shiner spawning activity.
• Urbanization and land use changes Misapplication and overuse of commercial fertilizers and pesticides increase contaminants in fish and sediments. Sewage and soil erosion negatively affect water quality. Increased agricultural and urban development has elevated the amounts of sediment and nutrients in Missouri's streams. Some land use changes have altered water flow patterns contributing to the Topeka shiner's decline.

Protection and Management: Steps Toward Recovery

Private landowners own and manage most stream corridor habitat where the Topeka shiner lives. Landowners are encouraged to take an active role to protect the water quality and habitat of this rare fish. The Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offer technical assistance and incentives to improve streams on private land. Private landowners can help by implementing the following suggestions.

• Habitat restoration The Topeka shiner is an excellent indicator of water quality because of its sensitivity to habitat changes. Avoid constructing permanent impoundments in headwater areas inhabited by Topeka shiners. Re-establish riparian corridors along streams to reduce stream erosion. Plant willows and other vegetation in 50 foot wide strips on either side of the stream. Discourage cattle from using streams. Fence off stream corridors to reduce impacts of grazing and cultivation.
• Animal containment areas Develop feedlots away from streams and creeks. Do not exceed the animal units specified in the feedlot's design capacity. Observe regulations for building manure containment structures .Regularly inspect the containment structures for leaks or improper function.
• Sand and gravel removal Follow proper gravel and sand removal procedures outlined in the Missouri Instream Sand and Gravel Removal Guidelines prepared by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Guidelines include the following: leave a 20 foot buffer zone between the water line and the excavation area, do not mine within 20 feet of streamside vegetation, and do not alter stream channels. In addition, do not remove gravel during the Topeka shiner spawning season (mid-May to July). For more information and a copy of the pamphlet, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation, Policy and Coordination Section.
• Urbanization Sewage facilities near creeks should be upgraded to protect stream life. Regularly maintain septic systems to ensure proper function. Control erosion near construction sites by revegetating the soil as soon as possible. Use pesticides only when needed and follow label instructions. Maintain vegetated buffer strips near streams to filter out chemicals and silt.

Written by: Charlene M. Bessken

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Missouri and federal law prohibits the importation, transportation, sale, purchase, taking or possession of animals on the State or Federal lists.

For more information on Topeka shiners, or to report sightings of this species, contact:

Endangered Species Coordinator or Wildlife Ecologist Missouri Department of Conservation Natural History Division P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-4115

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