How to Identify Red Shiner

To identify Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Body silvery, often with a dark lateral stripe. During breeding season, males develop brilliant red or orange coloration on the head, fins (especially caudal and anal fins), and sometimes the body. Tubercles (small bumps) also develop on the head and fins of breeding males. Females are typically duller, retaining a silvery-olive hue.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Vibrant red/orange coloration in breeding males, Dark lateral stripe, often with a wedge-shaped spot at the caudal fin base, Small, terminal mouth, Deeply forked caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 8 rays, originating slightly behind the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, often with red or orange coloration in breeding males.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short, with 12-15 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin typically has 9-10 rays, often with red or orange coloration in breeding males. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Breeding Coloration

   Look for intense red or orange on the head and fins of males during spring and summer. This is the most distinctive feature.

2. 2

   Lateral Stripe

   Observe the dark lateral stripe running along the side of the body, often ending in a small, wedge-shaped spot at the base of the caudal fin.

3. 3

   Mouth Position

   Note the small, terminal mouth, indicating its feeding habits on small prey and surface items.

4. 4

   Fin Ray Counts

   For definitive identification, count the fin rays: dorsal fin typically 8, anal fin typically 9-10. This requires careful examination, often in a laboratory setting.

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