Topeka shiner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Topeka shiner |
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The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is a small freshwater fish found in North America. It belongs to the minnow family, called cyprinids. This fish is only a few inches long. It has a shiny silver body with a clear black stripe running along its side.
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Where the Topeka Shiner Lives
The Topeka shiner lives in the Mississippi River basin. You can find it from southern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota. Its home stretches south to central Missouri and southern Kansas.
Ideal Habitat for This Fish
Topeka shiners mostly live in streams that flow through prairies. They need water that is cold and clear to survive. The streams where these minnows live usually flow all year long. If a stream dries up, the Topeka shiner must find a new stream or a permanent pond to stay alive.
Why the Topeka Shiner is Endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Topeka shiner as an endangered species in 1998. This means its population is very low and it is at risk of disappearing forever. The main reason for this is its need for very clean water.
Water Quality Challenges
This fish relies on clean water to live and thrive. When the water quality in its streams changes, the Topeka shiner finds it hard to adapt. Water quality can change because of natural events or human actions.
How Human Activity Harms Them
Human activities are a big reason for the decline in the Topeka shiner's numbers. When natural plants along stream banks are removed, it affects the water. Any kind of building work, like new roads or homes, can also harm the places where the Topeka shiner lives. This construction can make the water dirty or change how the stream flows.
