Aquatic Species at Risk – Pugnose Shiner

Description
Habitat
Threats
Further Information
Scientific Information

Description

Illustration of a Pugnose Shiner by Ellen Edmonson (NYSDEC)

The Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) is a member of the minnow family (Cyprinidae) and has the following characteristics:

• Body is fragile, slender and small, somewhat compressed laterally;
• Extremely small upturned mouth;
• Distinct black lateral band extends around snout and chin, through the eye to the caudal peduncle, ending with a small dark wedge-shaped caudal spot;
• Overall colouration is silver with pale yellow and olive tints above the lateral black band;
• Males become brightly golden in colour during  spawning;
• All fins are transparent;
• Eight dorsal rays; and
• Total length is approximately 50 mm for males and 60 mm for females.

Habitat

The range of the Pugnose Shiner extends from Ontario, south to Illinois and west to North Dakota. The species has a disjunct distribution and it is often absent from theoretically suitable habitat within its range. In Canada, this species has only been found in four main areas of Ontario: 1) southern Lake Huron (Old Ausable Channel); 2) Lake St. Clair; 3) Lake Erie; and 4) eastern Lake Ontario/upper St. Lawrence River. It is assumed to be extirpated from the Ganonoque River, Point Pelee and Rondeau Bay.

The Pugnose Shiner is usually found over sand and mud in slow-moving, clear, vegetated streams and lakes. They are found in sheltered ponds, wetlands, stagnant channels and protected bays adjacent to larger waterbodies. Spawning is thought to occur in late spring to early summer, and takes place in shallow, heavily vegetated waters. They do not guard their eggs, but rather distribute them widely over the aquatic plants and substrates.

Threats

The Pugnose Shiner requires clear water with abundant aquatic vegetation. Habitat degradation and loss is the principal threat. Activities that contribute to these threats include agricultural, industrial and urban development, removal of aquatic vegetation, and changes in water quality/quantity. As many habitat areas are fragmented, there is limited connection between populations. Invasive species are also a growing threat, particularly Common Carp and Eurasian watermilfoil, due to their negative effects on native aquatic vegetation.

Further Information:

For more information, visit the SARA Registry

Also see the Baitfish Primer for Ontario

Scientific Information:

Scientific Name: Notropis anogenus
SARA Status: Endangered (January 2005) Status re-examined and designated as Threatened (May 2013)
COSEWIC Status: Endangered (November 2002)