Topeka Shiner

Topeka Shiner
Topeka Shiner
Conservation status

Vulnerable (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Notropis
Species: N. topeka
Binomial name
Notropis topeka
(C. H. Gilbert, 1884)

Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Notropis. The Topeka Shiner is a type of minnow that does not grow longer than a few inches. This minnow is a shiny silver color its main physical characteristic is the black colored stripe that runs along the side of the body.

The Topeka shiner lives mainly in prairie streams. In order for the Topeka Shiner to survive the water must be cold and clear. The streams in which this Minnow lives are typically consistent and run year long. In cases in which the stream does dry up the Topeka Shiner needs to find a new stream or permanent body of water to survive.

This species is endangered primarily because of the water quality need. This species relies on clean water to survive. When the streams water quality changes the Topeka Shiner has difficulty adjusting to the changes. The water quality can change due to both environmental and human impact. A main cause for the decline in population is human activity. The water quality changes and the minnow are impacted when natural plant life is taken away. Any type of construction such as road work, new homes and other types of development can affect the habitat in which the Topeka shiner lives.

References


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