Identification
A crescent-shaped dark bar follows the gill opening, where the side stripe narrows abruptly. Breeding males develop vivid red on parts of the head, body and fins. Less colorful females and nonbreeding fish are still recognizable by their darker markings.
Size and Weight
The published species maximum is 13 cm in total length, about 5.1 inches. The Missouri account describes usual lengths of 3.5 to 4.5 inches. A verified maximum body weight was not found; the absence of that figure does not mean all similarly sized shiners weigh the same.
Habitat and Natural Food
Clear Ozark streams with gravel or rocky bottoms provide habitat. The fish intercepts insects and other small invertebrates at the surface or drifting in the current. Young fish can occupy quieter water than adults.
Spawning and Fishing Context
Groups gather above gravel nests or pits made by other fishes, particularly during May and early June. Those aggregations explain seasonal concentrations without demonstrating a largest-population lake. No tested species-specific artificial lure was established for this profile.
A Seasonal Flush of Red
The red that gives this shiner its name becomes strongest during breeding. It is normal seasonal coloration, rather than evidence that the fish is bleeding or injured. The crescent behind the gill remains a useful companion identification mark.
All Lakes With Bleeding Shiner
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Bleeding Shiner records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.