Emerald shiner
Notropis atherinoides
Summary 2
Family: Cyprinidae
Emerald shiners(Notropis atherinoides) were a common species in the Great Lakes. It once formed massive schools but numbers declined in some areas due to competition with and predation from alewives. Emerald shiners are now making comebacks in many places. They feed on aquatic insect larvae and other microorganisms, and in turn are eaten by larger fishes, birds, etc., forming an important part of the food web. Often used as bait.
How to recognize: Relatively long and skinny minnow. Back is emerald (silvery green). Upturned mouth reaches the tip of its snout. Up to 4 inches /10 centimeters long.
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