Regional Range
Records include Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia within the upper Tennessee system. The scientific name is Notropis spectrunculus. A state-level locality is less precise than the tributary connection, especially where neighboring river basins support different small fishes.
Sheltered Patches
Rocky, sandy and muddy pools and backwaters occur in its habitat description. High-gradient creeks can contain these quieter patches alongside fast riffles. A steep stream should therefore not be described as uniform high-velocity habitat from bank to bank.
Size and Observation
The maximum reference is 7.9 centimeters total length. Body reflections change with lighting, so the common name should not replace structural identification. Preserve the head, body pattern, fins and actual pool or backwater locality when recording an observed fish.
Notice Quiet Water in Steep Streams
Backwaters and pools can occur in a high-gradient channel. Describe the patch occupied by the fish rather than only the stream’s overall slope.
All Lakes With Mirror Shiner
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Mirror Shiner records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.