The golden shiner is a member of a distinctive group of minnows often considered to represent a separate subfamily called the Abraminae. It is the sole representative of this group and as such it is quite different from other native minnows. The body of the golden shiner is compressed and deep bodied with a lateral line that is deeply curved below mid-side and then rises again on the rear half of the body. Adults are golden yellow to brassy with dark crescents at the scale bases. The fins vary from an orange-yellow to a reddish color. The golden shiner is a large minnow and will grow 8 to 10 inches in length.
The golden shiner is widely distributed throughout New York State. It occurs in lakes, ponds, and slow moving streams. It prefers areas of abundant vegetation and clear water. It feeds on a variety of organisms including zooplankton, insects, small fishes, and even filamentous algae. The golden shiner is an excellent bait fish and used by anglers to catch larger species of game fish such as pike, bass, and walleye. It is raised commercially for this purpose.
Spawning season for the golden shiner begins in late spring when water temperatures reach 70 F. In New York they will spawn from May to August. Spawning takes place in shallow water over some type of rooted aquatic vegetation or filamentous algae. The eggs are adhesive and stick to the vegetation. There is no nesting or parental care of the eggs or hatchlings.
The golden shiner is an excellent addition to any farm pond.
As with any minnow or forage,
the shiner should be stocked well
in advance of the game fish.
All fish can be picked up at our hatchery. However, prior arrangements for pick-up and phone confirmation are requested.
To increase fish survivability during transportation, we package fish in large plastic bags filled with water and pure oxygen. For your consideration, larger fish, (12 inches in length or more), must not exceed eight fish per bag and may require special handling.
