Comely shiner

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

This species occurs within Atlantic Slope drainages from the Hudson River in New York to the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. New Jersey is along the periphery of this species' range. Within New Jersey, it can only be found within the northern and western portions of the state.

Habitat includes runs and flowing pools within creeks and medium to large rivers, over sand or gravel.

DIET

Comely shiners are invertivores, consuming insects and other small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Like other members of the Cyprinidae family, they are stomachless fish with toothless jaws. Food is chewed by pharyngeal teeth (teeth in the pharyngeal arch of their throat). The pharyngeal teeth are species-specific and are a way to identify some species.

LIFE CYCLE

A schooling species which spawns throughout the summer, primarily in July.

CURRENT STATUS, THREATS, AND CONSERVATION

This species is found in relatively low numbers within New Jersey with the state being along the periphery of the species' range. Within the state, it has a limited distribution with disjunct populations. It also appears to be declining in nearby states.

It has an intolerance to environmental degradation, particularly siltation within spawning habitat. Urbanization and habitat loss may also be contributing to its low populations in the state.

In 2016, the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Advisory Committee recommended a Special Concern status for this species, but no formal rule proposal has been filed to date.

Text written by Michael J. Davenport in 2016.