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TextMinnow - Family Cyprinidae, Part II
FALLFISH - Semotilus corporalis
Fish Notes
Fallfish are large minnows that build the largest stone nests among fishes during breeding season. These mounds can be up to three feet in height. Fallfish were found at 16 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 12 inches
Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, fish and algae
FATHEAD MINNOW - Pimephales promelas
Fish Notes
The fathead minnow is a popular bait fish which has led to its large distribution across the eastern United States. This fish is hardy and is used by scientists to test the effects of chemicals. The fathead minnow was found at two percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: No, probably introduced as a bait bucket fish
Size: 2.5 inches, rarely above 3 inches
Diet: Insects, algae and detritus
GOLDEN SHINER - Notemigonus crysoleucas
Fish Notes
The golden shiner is a staple in the bait world, which has resulted in its large distribution. The name is a reference to the golden color that appears in some of the species. Golden shiners were found at 14 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Probably, but widespread use as a bait minnow has expanded its range considerably.
Size: 7 inches, rarely to 10 inches
Diet: Terrestrial and aquatic insects, plant matter
GOLDFISH - Carassius auratus
Fish Notes
Goldfish were first introduced to the United States in the late 1600s. Goldfish are naturally a silvery bronze color and not the bright orange you see in the pet stores. Goldfish were found at two percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: No
Size: 16 inches
Diet: Aquatic insects, plant matter and small fish
LONGNOSE DACE - Rhinichthys cataractae
Fish Notes
This native minnow is well adapted to living in swift running water. It has a down sloped nose and a rudimentary gas bladder which allows them to live easily in the swift current. The longnose dace was found at 47 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3 to 4 inches, rarely to 5 inches
Diet: Aquatic insects and other small invertebrates
RIVER CHUB - Nocomis micropogon
Fish Notes
As its name implies, the river chub is found mainly in medium to large rivers. In Fairfax County they were found on the main stems of Accotink Creek, Pohick Creek, Cub Run and Popes Head Creek. During the breeding season the males develop tubercles to defend their nest. The river chub was found at nine percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 7 inches, rarely to 9 inches
Diet: Aquatic insects and other small invertebrates
ROSYSIDE DACE - Clinostomus funduloides
Fish Notes
The rosyside dace is a nest associate which means they breed over other fish species' nests. This has led to some cases of hybridization with river chubs, creek chubs and fallfish. The rosyside dace was found at 41 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3 to 4 inches
Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small invertebrates
SATINFIN SHINERS - Cyprinella spp.
Fish Notes
Two species of satinfin shiner are found in Fairfax County; the spotfin shiner and the satinfin shiner. The satinfin shiners have a reputation as a good aquarium fish because of their active nature and their acceptance of dried fish food. The satinfin shiners were found at 37 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3 inches, rarely to 4 inches
Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small invertebrates
SILVERJAW MINNOW - Notropis buccatus
Fish Notes
The silverjaw has a canal structure below its eye that allows vibrations created by prey to be detected. The silverjaw minnow was found at one percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Unknown
Size: 2.5 inches, rarely to 3 inches
Diet: Benthic macroinvertebrates
SPOTTAIL SHINER - Notropis hudsonius
Fish Notes
The spottail shiner is a large shiner that is typically found in medium to large streams and rivers and can survive in tidal brackish waters. This shiner was found at 13 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3.5 inches, rarely to 5 inches
Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small invertebrates
SWALLOWTAIL SHINER - Notropis procne
Fish Notes
Like the cyprinella, the swallowtail shiner does well in aquaria and will readily breed if given the right conditions. The swallowtail shiner was found at 43 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 2.5 inches
Diet: Most small aquatic invertebrates
References
Jenkins, R. E., N. M. Burkhead, 1994, Freshwater Fishes of Virginia, 1079 pgs., American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD
For more information, please email the Stormwater Planning Division or call 703-324-5500, TTY 711.
Distribution maps are based on sampling data collected between 1999 and 2011.
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