Red Shiner

Red shiner side view photo with black background
Scientific Name
Cyprinella lutrensis
Family
Cyprinidae (minnows) in the order Cypriniformes (carps, minnows, and loaches)
Description

The red shiner is a rather slab-sided minnow. The back is yellowish olive with dark edgings on scales. The sides are silvery with blue reflections. Large young and adults have all membranes of the dorsal fin more or less uniformly dusted with fine, dark specks. Breeding males are a beautiful metallic blue with top of head and all fins (exept dorsal) bright red and have a pink vertical bar on body behind the pectoral fin.

Size
Total length: 1¾ to 3 inches; maximum to about 3½ inches.
Where To Find
image of Red Shiner distribution map
Abundant in most prairie-region streams of northern and western Missouri; common in northern and western Ozark border. Also occurs south along Mississippi River to the boundary of the state.
Occurs in streams of all sizes but is most abundant in large creeks and rivers. Inhabits a variety of habitats, from riffles to quiet pools. Most abundant and widely distributed minnow in the prairie region of north and west Missouri. Distribution is largely related to competition with closely related species including whitetail, bluntface, blacktail, spotfin, and steelcolor shiners.
Primarily insects; feeds primarily by sight. Seizes anything available in the appropriate size range. An extremely active fish, frequently breaking the surface of the water while feeding.
Individuals rarely live for more than three years. Most active in daytime. Has adaptable spawning requirements; may spawn on sunfish nests, gravelly riffles, submerged logs, or submerged plants from late May to early September.
Media Gallery
Red shiner side view photo with black background
Red shiner, Cyprinella lutrensis
Lance Merry
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red shiner
Red shiner male
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Red shiner side view photo with black background
red shiner
Similar Species
About Fishes in Missouri
Missouri has more than 200 kinds of fish, more than are found in most neighboring states. Fishes live in water, breathe with gills, and have fins instead of legs. Most are covered with scales. Most fish in Missouri “look” like fish and could never be confused with anything else. True, lampreys and eels have snakelike bodies — but they also have fins and smooth, slimy skin, which snakes do not.