Description

Bigmouth shiners have a large horizontal mouth with the upper jaw extending beyond the lower one. The underside of the head is flattened and the sides of the head angle inward as they go up. The eyes are positioned toward the top of the head so that the pupils can be seen when looking down on the fish. The body is rather silvery in coloration and darker on the back with lighter sides and belly. The head and body shape are nearly identical to that of the Silverjaw Minnow but the bigmouth shiner lacks the specialized sensory organs along the jaw. .

Habitat and Habits

Bigmouth shiners are found in pools where they swim in schools just above the substrate. They are almost always found in areas with a sandy substrate much like the silverjaw minnow. Bigmouth shiners are found in the Rocky and Black River drainages and occasionally other nearby Lake Erie tributaries.

Reproduction and Care of the Young

Bigmouth shiners spawn in June or July but little is known about the reproductive habits of this species

Quick Facts

• Fish Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps)


• Other Names: None


• Ohio Status: Threatened


• Adult Size: Typically 2-3 inches, can reach 3.5 inches.


• Typical Foods: Various aquatic invertebrates, and terrestrial insects that fall in the water.