Genus Pteronotropis By Tim Aldridge
Above: An “Eastern” Flagfin Shiner (Pteronotropis species) showing off brilliant hues of orange, red, yellow, black, and yellow. Minnows in the genus Pteronotropis are small, colorful, and aggressive when microfishing, however there is one caveat-finding these unique shiners is sometimes quite a challenge.
Pteronotropis shiners have a blue to black stripe along the sides and very large dorsal and anal fins that are colored. Most only reach a maximum size of 2 ½ inches and with striking colors, these fish make wonderful tank mates.
1) Bluenose Shiner (Pteronotropis welaka).
2) Metallic Shiner (Pteronotropis metallicus).
3) Sailfin Shiner (Pteronotropis hypselopterus).
4) Orangetail Shiner (Pteronotropis merlini).
5) “Western” Flagfin Shiner (Pteronotropis signipinnis).
6) “Eastern” Flagfin Shiner (Pteronotropis species).
7) Lowland Shiner (Pteronotropis stonei).
8) Apalachee Shiner (Pteronotropis grandipinnis).
9) Broadstripe Shiner (Pteronotropis euryzonus).
10) Bluehead Shiner (Pteronotropis hubbsi).
Fish species that scientists have considered moving from the genus Notropis to Pteronotropis:
1) Redeye Chub (Notropis harperi)-“Often placed in the genus Pteronotropis”.
2) Dusky Shiner (Notropis cummingsae).
3) Highfin Shiner (Notropis altipinnis).
4) Ironcolor Shiner (Notropis chalybaeus).
