River Shiner
(Notropis blennius)
River shiners are a common minnow only in very large rivers. In Ohio they are primarily found along our southern border in the Ohio River.
Description
River shiners have silvery sides and a darker back with a rather distinct stripe down the center of the back. This stripe completely encircles the base of the dorsal fin. This and all other fins are transparent with no distinct markings. River shiners have 7 anal fin rays and the height of the scales along the complete lateral line is slightly wider than they are tall. River shiners have a relatively large terminal (ending at tip of snout) mouth and a small eye.
Habitat and Habits
River shiners are inhabitants of very large rivers. In Ohio they are common in the Ohio River and are typically found over sand and gravel bars. They can also be found at the mouths of creeks but rarely go upstream any tributaries of the Ohio River. The exception to this is the Scioto and occasionally other large tributaries such as the Muskingum and Hocking Rivers.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
River shiners spawn throughout the summer presumably scattering eggs over sand and gravel bars.