Pugnose Shiner

(Notropis anogenus)

Status: Threatened (ESA 2014, COSEWIC 2013)

Table of Contents:

Species Identification
Diet
Habitat and Range
Biology and Behaviour
Similar Species
Threats/Reasons for Being at Risk
Conservation and Recovery Strategies
How You Can Help

Species Identification:

The Pugnose Shiner is a member of the minnow species, only reaching lengths of about 5-6 cm. They are silver with pale yellow or olive markings and a dark stripe along the sides of their body from snout to tail. They have pale, translucent fins and an upturned mouth.

Diet:

Pugnose Shiners mainly feed on aquatic plants, green algae, plankton, small leeches, and some aquatic insects. They generally feed near the bottom amongst vegetation to stay hidden from predators.

Photo by Eric C. Maxwell: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/86307296

Map taken from Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/cosewic-assessments-status-reports/pugnose-shiner-2013.html#_01_2

Habitat and Range:

This species is generally found in two main water systems in central North America, which are the Mississippi River system and the Great Lakes basins. In the Mississippi River system, they are found in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They are also found Lake Michigan, Ontario, Huron, Erie, and St. Clair, as well as the St. Lawrence River. The Pugnose Shiner is Extirpated in Ohio, North Dakota, and declining in Michigan. In Canada, the Pugnose Shiner is only found in Ontario. The Pugnose Shiner may be found in The Land Between in the St. Lawrence River systems as well as the Trent River, but sightings have been rare.

In the United States, Pugnose Shiners are commonly found in clear, slow moving water that is heavily vegetated with species like pondweed, milfoil, bulrush, and algae. They prefer substrate with sand, mud, or gravel. In Canada, Pugnose Shiners prefer clear, slow moving waters of large lakes, channels, or large rivers that have sand or silt bottoms with plenty of submergent vegetation. Clear water with plenty of vegetation is a must for this species, making turbidity (the measure of clarity in water) a huge issue.

Biology and Behaviour:

Since Pugnose Shiners are a relatively small and elusive species, little is known about their biology and behaviour. They do not travel very far in their lifetimes, so spawning generally occurs nearby in shallow water with dense vegetation. Spawning most likely happens from mid-May to July depending on water temperatures (they prefer 21-29°C). Females have between 500 and 1300 eggs, but all of them may not be laid or fertilized in one season. Like most fish species, females will lay their eggs amongst the vegetation and silt, and males will fertilize them. Pugnose Shiners are thought to reach sexual maturity at the age of 1 and live to a maximum age of 3. They will inhabit shallow waters during the spring and summer, and overwinter in deeper water. They have a wide range of predators like larger fish species and various bird species.

Photo by Matthew Tobey: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/97253832

Similar Species:

The Pugnose Shiner is very similar in appearance to all other Shiner species in Ontario. These species include the Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bridle Shiner, Striped Shiner, and Common Shiner.

Threats/ Reasons for being at Risk:

1. Habitat loss and degradation: Habitat loss and degradation from shoreline development and shoreline erosion destroys the littoral zone (the part of a water body close to the shore) and impacts macrophyte communities, which are primary producers and can cause a chain reaction of species loss. Cottagers along lakes and rivers have also been known to clear away vegetation along the shores of their property for aesthetics, which is also contributing to habitat loss since Pugnose Shiners rely heavily on dense vegetation.

2. Sediment and nutrient loading: Turbidity is one of the major threats to Pugnose Shiner habitat, since they rely heavily on clear water. Shoreline development and agriculture has been known to increase sediment and nutrient loading, both of which turn the water murky and reduce visibility.

3. Changes in aquatic vegetation: Changes can occur either from loss of aquatic vegetation, or the introduction of invasive species, both of which impact the Pugnose Shiner. Vegetation loss can occur from shoreline development, dredging, or increased recreational boating and activities. Vegetation loss means that the Pugnose Shiner no longer has suitable hiding, spawning, or food sources. On the other hand, the introduction of invasive species like non-native milfoils like the Eurasian Water Milfoil can cause dramatic changes in vegetation composition.

Conservation and recovery strategies:

The Pugnose Shiner and their habitat is protected in Ontario and efforts have been made to produce a recovery strategy. The goals of this strategy are to determine current and ideal population numbers, determine and protect current habitat, evaluate and minimize current threats, investigate whether Extirpated populations can be recovered, and improve public education and awareness.

How can you help?

Report any sightings of the Pugnose Shiner to The Land Between, iNaturalist, or the Natural Heritage Information Centre.
Keep the shoreline on your property natural and free of chemicals.
Get in touch with local organizations and government agencies to help protect your local watersheds.
Participate in citizen science shoreline and water rehabilitation projects with local organizations.
Do not release any invasive species into the wild, and make sure you are not relocating any aquatic invasive species when travelling from one area to another.
Drive slowly when travelling through rivers or in shallow lake areas.

Additional Resources:

Government of Ontario Pugnose Shiner Species at Risk page
Watersheds Canada Pugnose Shiner Landowner Engagement and Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project
COSEWIC 2013 Assessment and Report on the Pugnose Shiner