Blue Shiner

Blue Shiner, Endangered Species found in Little River

JOEL SARTORE/National Geographic Creative

 

Blue Shiner (Cyprinella caerulea)

The Blue Shiner is an endangered species of ray-finned fish found in Little River within the preserve boundaries. They prefer clear water with slow currents. Insects are the main diet for this fish. They reproduce from late April to late July.

The name comes from the color of the fish. It is blue with a bright blue/green stripe that runs from the head to the tail. The head is small and triangular. Fins are bright yellow or orange with white around the edges. The body of the fish is narrow and up to about three inches in length.