Wedgespot shiner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wedgespot shiner |
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The wedgespot shiner (Notropis greenei) is a small, shiny fish that lives in rivers and streams. It is a type of ray-finned fish and belongs to the Notropis family. This fish is special because it is found only in certain parts of the United States. Scientists named it in 1929.
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What is a Wedgespot Shiner?
The wedgespot shiner is a freshwater fish. It gets its name from a small, dark spot that looks like a wedge on its body. These fish are usually small, often only a few inches long. They have a sleek, silvery body that helps them blend in with the water. Like many shiners, they are known for their quick movements in the water.
Where Does the Wedgespot Shiner Live?
This fish is found only in the United States. It lives in a region called the Ozark Uplands. This area includes parts of central Arkansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Missouri.
You can find them in several important river systems:
- The middle part of the Arkansas River drainage.
- The White River system.
- The Black River system.
- The St. Francis River system in northern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri.
- The Meramec River system in eastern Missouri.
- The Gasconade River system.
- The lower part of the Osage River system.
These rivers and streams are usually clear and have rocky or gravel bottoms. The wedgespot shiner prefers areas with a good flow of water.
What Does it Eat?
Wedgespot shiners are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet mainly consists of tiny insects and other small creatures that live in the water. They might also nibble on small bits of plants or algae. They are active hunters, using their good eyesight to spot food in the water.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Like most fish, wedgespot shiners lay eggs to reproduce. The female fish lays her eggs, and the male fish fertilizes them. The eggs usually hatch into tiny fish called larvae. These larvae grow quickly into young fish, and then into adults. The life cycle of a wedgespot shiner is important for keeping the river ecosystems healthy. They are part of the food chain, providing food for larger fish and birds.
Why is it Important?
The wedgespot shiner plays a role in the health of its river homes. As part of the food web, it helps control insect populations and provides food for other animals. Protecting these fish helps protect the rivers and all the other creatures that live there. Scientists study fish like the wedgespot shiner to understand more about river health and how to keep our water clean.
See also
In Spanish: Notropis greenei para niños
