Flagfin shiner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flagfin shiner |
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Notropis signipinnis Bailey & Suttkus, 1952 |
The flagfin shiner (Pteronotropis signipinnis) is a small, colorful freshwater fish. It belongs to the Cyprinidae family, which includes minnows and carp. This fish is known for its bright fins, which look a bit like tiny flags! It's a type of ray-finned fish.
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Where Do Flagfin Shiners Live?
This fish lives in fresh water. It prefers places with sand and plants. You can find flagfin shiners in creeks and small rivers. They also like pools and flowing parts of streams. These fish usually swim near the bottom but can also be found in the middle of the water.
Flagfin shiners live in the United States. They are found in the Apalachicola River in Florida. You can also spot them in the Pearl River in Mississippi. Some live in parts of Louisiana. They are not very common in Alabama.
What Does a Flagfin Shiner Look Like?
The flagfin shiner is a small fish. It usually grows to be about 40 to 55 millimeters long. That's about 1.5 to 2 inches! Its body gets narrower towards its tail.
A dark band runs along much of its sides. Its tail, back, and belly fins are very colorful. They can be yellow or even red-orange. The edges of these fins have black rays.
You can see two bright yellow spots near the base of its tail fin. The area between these spots is much darker.
How to Tell Flagfin Shiners Apart
It can be tricky to tell the flagfin shiner apart from another fish. This fish is often found with the sailfin shiner, P. hypselopterus. They look quite similar!
However, you can spot the flagfin shiner by its red fins. It also has those special yellow spots on its tail. Plus, it has smaller bumps on its body called tubercles.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The scientific name for the flagfin shiner is Pteronotropis signipinnis. Each part of this name tells us something cool about the fish!
"Pteronotropis" means "winged keeled back." This part of the name refers to the male fish. When they are ready to breed, their back fin gets bigger.
"Signipinnis" means "banner fin." This name describes the amazing colors of its main fins. They are so bright, they look like little banners or flags!
More About Flagfin Shiners
Want to learn more? You can find information about the flagfin shiner in Spanish too!
- In Spanish: Pteronotropis signipinnis para niños
