Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Minnows > Golden Shiner
Golden Shiner - Notemigonus crysoleucas
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
The golden shiner is found in ponds and slow running waters east of the Continental Divide in Montana. It was probably introduced into our state as a forage fish or as the result of bait fishing. Pond culture of the golden shiner for bait is a moderately large industry in the south-central U.S. They can grow to lengths of about 8 inches. Golden shiners prefer habitat with abundant aquatic vegetation and eat plant as well as animal matter. They are easily caught on bait or artificial flies.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Adults golden; color fades rapidly when removed from water. Young silvery with dusky midside band. Body deep and flat-sided, front of dorsal fin well behind front of pelvic fins. Head small and triangular.
Distribution
Montana Range
Habitat
Weedy ponds and lakes, slow moving streams.
Food Habits
Feeds largely on zooplankton. Aquatic insects and vegetation are also important. Larger individuals will eat snails and small fish.
Ecology
Has been used as a forage fish in stocking programs. Female is generally larger than the male.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 2 years. Spawns May - Aug. depending upon the temperature.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Golden Shiner — Notemigonus crysoleucas. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on January 31, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCJB27010.aspx
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