Family: Cyprinidae, Carps and Minnows view all from this family
Description The golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) is a
cyprinid fish native to eastern North America. It is the sole
member of its genus. Much used as a bait fish, it is probably
the most widely pond-cultured fish in the United States. Though
it has been known to reach lengths of 30 cm (12 in), in the wild
the golden shiner is usually between 7.5 and 12.5 cm (3 to 5
inches) long. The body is laterally compressed (deep-bodied).
The back is dark green or olive, and the belly is a silvery
white. The sides are silver in smaller individuals, but golden
in larger ones. There can be a faint dusky stripe along the
sides. The anal fin is large and has 8-19 rays, while the dorsal
fin comprises almost always 8 rays. Scales are relatively large
and easily lost when the fish is handled. The mouth is small and
upturned. Two characteristics can distinguish the golden shiner
from all other minnows: (1) the lateral line has a pronounced
downward curve, with