7 replies to this topic

[kevinf]

Hi guys:    I enjoy visiting this site and always learn something.  I always have a hard time distinguishing shiners.    Could you please help me ID this very common minnow?   It is from the Muskegon River system in West Michigan.    Also, is there a good key available for IDing shiner species?   Thanks mucho!   Kevin

 

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[Matt DeLaVega]

You take it from here.  It is not a common minnow. Rather a shiner. You have two in the genus that can look very similar. Look at the nape of the neck. You can ID this fish.

[Matt DeLaVega]

Sorry should have said scale size on nape of the neck. Your photo is good enough to use this to ID between two very similar fish.

[kevinf]

Hi Matt:  Thank you for the response.  I am guessing this is between common shiner and striped shiner, both of which are in this area.   Common shiner  is my guess.     Thanks!

[Matt DeLaVega]

At a glance I would guess the same, however your photo is detailed enough that I don't see any indication of crowded nape scales. Both occur in your general area. I would say striped, just because the last row of scales visible don't show any crowding at all. Really, I am not 100% sure, just wanted you to to take the initiative and give it a shot. You got it down to genus.Darn good. Get yourself a Petersons field guide and you will be in business.

[BenCantrell]

My gut says common without using any ID metrics.

[MichiJim]

I agree with Ben, based on known range in Michigan and that I don't think I've seen a striped that far north myself.  Not the best reasons, but I would say odds on a common shiner.

 

The following link is to the striped shiner range map from the Michigan Fish Atlas.  It is not infallible, I've found fish outside of their ranges, but it is an excellent source for Michigan specific information on species and occurrences.

 

http://www.dnr.state...maps/luxchr.pdf

[smbass]

Yeah you really need a shot looking down on the top of the fish right behind the head to be sure. That would show the crowded scales if it is a common shiner. I do think it is a common as well but would want to see that angle to be sure.