Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Description

Origin

Cyprinella lutrensis, red shiner, is a small fish native to the middle and southwestern United States. Its diet is made up mostly of crustaceans and insects, but also includes the eggs and early life stages of other fish. C. lutrensis is olive green above shading to silver on the sides. Males turn bluish with red fins during spawning. It can grow up to 3.5 in. (9 cm) long.

Life Cycle

C. lutrensis spawns from spring into fall, peaking about midsummer. Eggs are laid on different substrate layers such as gravel and vegetation, sometimes in association with sunfish nests. Each female can lay up tp 19 clutches per spawning season. Each clutch can contain over 500 eggs. The offspring will be sexually mature in 1-2 years, with a lifespan of about 3 years.

Distribution

C. lutrensis has been introduced into states outside its native range, often as a bait fish but also through the aquarium trade. It has been reported in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. C. lutrensis may compete with native species and may also hybridize with the Cyprinella species native to the area.

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Taxonomic Rank

Resources

• Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database - U.S. Geological Survey