Whitetail Shiner,  Cyprinella galactura

 

Physical Description: 
�	Somewhat deep and compressed body
�	Dorsal fin origin above pelvic fin base 
�	Pointed or slightly rounded snout
�	Subterminal mouth
�	White splotch on upper and lower part of tail fin base
�	Posterior dorsal fin is black
�	Breeding males have turquoise body; may have orange pectoral fins

Similar species: 
�	Turquoise shiner (Cyprinella monacha)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 50-100 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Found in clear streams and rivers in fast-moving current around rocks

Distribution in VA:
�	Native to the Tennessee drainage
�	Also found in the Big Sandy and New drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Feed on insects, worms, mites, larval fish, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature by age 2 
�	Spawning occurs late May to late June in water 24-28�C
�	Spawn in crevices formed by rocks
�	Fecundity is 404-1,815 eggs per female 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Easy to confuse with warpaint shiner (Luxilis coccogenis)

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

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