In Colorado, the common shiner is restricted to the South Platte River basin and
formerly inhabited small, clear, sand and gravel-bottomed foothills streams.
This moderate-sized minnow is abundant in streams and lakes throughout the northeastern
United States.
In Colorado, the common shiner is restricted to the South Platte River basin and
formerly inhabited small, clear, sand and gravel-bottomed foothills streams.
This species is
presently considered rare in Colorado and is found regularly only in the St. Vrain River and West
Plum Creek.
Species such as common shiner, which require clean gravel to spawn, are becoming
increasingly rare in Colorado, due to siltation.
Maximum Length: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm).
