The golden shiner is a deep-bodied minnow, back greenish-olive with a faint dusky stripe along the midline. Sides are golden or silvery, and the belly is silvery white. Has a fleshy “keel” along midline of the belly from the anus forward to the pelvic fin bases. One of the largest minnows native to Missouri and the only minnow with a fleshy keel. The tail fin of breeding males is often orange-red.
Total length: 3 to 6 inches; maximum to about 8 inches.
Widespread in Missouri, most abundant in prairie and Ozark border streams of west-central and northeast Missouri, and in southeast lowlands.
Habitat and Conservation
Largest populations found in sloughs, ponds, lakes, impoundments, and quiet pools of streams. Rarely found in stream sections with noticeable current. Tolerates moderate turbidity, but thrives in clear, heavily vegetated habitats.
Food
Both plant material and invertebrates, in about equal quantities.
Life Cycle
Individuals rarely live more than six years.
Human Connections
An important bait fish, well suited for pond culture, it is often stocked as prey for game fish.
