What is an emerald shiner?

The emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides) is a small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is native to North America and is found in clear streams and rivers with rocky or sandy substrates. Emerald shiners are typically olive green in color with a silvery sheen, and they have a distinctive black stripe running along their sides. They have an average length of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), although some individuals can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. Emerald shiners are omnivorous and feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, algae, and plant material. They are social fish and often form large schools. Emerald shiners are considered to be a non-threatened species, although their populations can be impacted by habitat loss and pollution.