Pugnose Shiner
Species at Risk in Ontario
Identification
The Pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus) is a native species in Ontario. They are small minnows, only reaching a length of about five centimeters as adults. These shiners have a dark lateral stripe that runs the length of the body and onto the chin. Their small, upturned mouths allow them to feed on minute insect larvae and crustaceans. This species also feeds on algae such as Stonewort.
The identifying characteristics of the Pugnose shiner are sometimes very subtle! (Click on the image to enlarge)
This individual has a deformed upper jaw, making it look even more "pug-nosed"
Similar Species:
There are three species that look similar to the Pugnose shiner: The Blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon), Bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), and Blacknose shiner (Notropis heterolepis). These fish, including the Pugnose shiner, make up a group nicknamed the "Blackline Shiners". These minnows all have dark lateral lines and golden coloured bodies.
Pugnose and Blackchin shiners have pigment on their chins, while Bridle and Blacknose shiners do not. The size of the mouth is the next most identifiable characteristic. In Pugnose shiners, the edge of the mouth only extends to below the front of the nostril.
Three of the four "Blackline Shiners" are pictured above: Pugnose shiner (Top), Bridle shiner (Middle), and Blackchin shiner (Botttom)
Threats
The Pugnose shiner is listed as Threatened in the province of Ontario ( COSSARO ). Due to habitat degradation throughout most of its native range, this species has suffered population declines and fragmentation. These changes in population connectivity have made Pugnose shiners more susceptible to predation and competition. The introduction of invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil has also affected the Pugnose shiner.
This small minnow is becoming an increasingly rare sight in many parts of Ontario.
Like its close relatives the Blackchin shiner and the Bridle shiner, the Pugnose shiner is very sensitive to pollution and changing conditions. Land-use changes and industrial activities can cause declines in habitat quality. Poor agricultural practices can lead to increased nutrient levels and siltation in the water.
These species prefer cool, clear water with abundant vegetation. Typically a wetland species, the Pugnose shiner is often associated with plant species such as Wild rice, and Sago pondweed.
A wetland site with clear water and abundant emergent and submerged vegetation.
Many wetlands along the St. Lawrence River are in danger due to development and construction. Homeowners may choose to mow their lawns right up to the edge of a water body, leaving the shoreline susceptible to erosion.
Sheltered bays with calm water allow for the establishment of a diversity of aquatic plants such as the Fragrant white water lily.
Why look at minnows?
Sensitive species like the Pugnose shiner are valuable indicators of ecosystem health. By monitoring their populations, we can predict the productivity of the habitats they live in.
Some areas act as a "safe haven" for these sensitive species
What is being done?
In 2002, the Pugnose shiner was designated as Endangered in Ontario. Its status has since been reassessed, and the species is now listed as Threatened.
Research on these minnows and their preferred habitat informs conservation action and recovery strategies . The goal for the recovery strategy for the Pugnose shiner is to maintain and restore self-sustaining populations in current and historical locations.
The FINS Project:
The FINS Project at the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences has been documenting the presence of Pugnose shiners in the St. Lawrence River since 2015. Since then, we have found a total of about 1130 individuals of this rare species.
Using a seine net, the crew can catch a wide variety of nearshore fish species. Click here to learn more about the species we've observed!
We are using new technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) to find these fish and habitats where they might be found. At each site we sample, we collect a wide range of data on habitat characteristics and water quality.
A mixed group of minnows is released after being identified and measured.
Pugnose Shiners in the Upper St. Lawrence River
Please check out the map below to see where our team has captured Pugnose shiners in the past few years. At the majority of these Pugnose sites, we catch between 5-20 individuals per sampling event. There are some sites however where we can reliably find Pugnose shiners year after year, and sometimes capture upwards of 100 individuals!
Our team has sampled almost 300km of shoreline, from Prince Edward County to Montreal.
What can you do?
If you accidentally capture a Pugnose shiner in your minnow trap, please release it at the site of capture. If possible, take a close-up photo of the fish's mouth and send it to us for confirmation along with the location where the fish was found. As is the case when handling any fish, please use wet hands or a net when possible. Release the fish back into the water as soon as you can and make sure it is able to swim away.
You can also make and effort to naturalize the shoreline of your waterfront property by planting native plants and shrubs. This not only prevents erosion and loss of land, but creates healthier habitats for fish!
Report your observations to us via email: info@riverinstitute.ca
Check out the River Institute website for more info on this project and more
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
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