Western Blacktail Shiner
Cyprinella venusta
The Western Blacktail Shiner is a small North American minnow found mainly in streams and rivers of the south-central United States. It’s known for a dark tail spot and reflective body, and it often schools in moderate current over sand, gravel, or riffles.
Identification points
- Prominent dark to black caudal peduncle and tail base spot
- Silver body with faint dark edging on scales giving a net-like look
- Adults typically show yellowish fins and a slender minnow profile
Habitat
Clear to moderately turbid creeks, small rivers, and tributary runs with moderate current; commonly over sand, gravel, and cobble near riffles, pool margins, and shoals.
Bait notes
Tiny hooks with live worms, maggots, or pieces of insect larvae work well; small flies, micro-jigs, and 1/32–1/16 oz spinners also catch them. Often incidental rather than a primary game fish.
Behavior
A schooling, active surface-to-midwater feeder that takes drifting insects, छोटे crustaceans, and other small invertebrates; males can become more colorful and territorial during spawning.
Caution
none notable
Fishing notes
Fish light line and small presentations in current seams, riffle tails, and shallow runs. Let baits drift naturally or retrieve small lures slowly across current; best action is often in warmer months and during daylight.