Plants and Animals

Notropis texanus Weed shiner

Key Characteristics

The weed shiner is a small (3.3-5.4 cm), olive-colored species with a dark lateral band which extends to the snout and tip of chin. This shiner has seven anal rays and a small caudal fin spot.

Status and Rank

US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: X - Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered)
Global Rank: G5 - Secure
State Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled

Occurrences

CountyNumber of OccurrencesYear Last Observed
Allegan 4 1947
Calhoun 3 1953
Cass 1 1956
Eaton 3 1927
Ingham 6 1962
Jackson 2 1941
Kalamazoo 1 1935
Livingston 2 1962
Ottawa 1 1934
Saginaw 2 1941

Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.

Habitat

The weed shiner was once found in open, sandy streams, river, and impoundments with submerged aquatic vegetation. In Michigan, they were found mostly in tributary junctions and below dams of major rivers. Populations were locally distributed and rare. Michigan has few river systems capable of supporting this species.

Natural Community Types

  • Headwater stream (1st-2nd order), riffle
  • Headwater stream (1st-2nd order), pool
  • Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), pool
  • Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), run
  • River (5th-6th order), pool

For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.

Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.

Management Recommendations

Habitat degradation, increased siltation and turbidity from the loss of riverine vegetation, widespread deforestation, and wetland alteration are likely reasons for the extirpation of this species (Smith 1979).

Active Period

Spawning from first week of June to fourth week of June

Survey Methods

Electrofishing

Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September

Seines

Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September

Trap or fyke nets

Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September

References

Survey References

  • Murphy, B.R. and D.W. Willis, eds. 1996. Fisheries Techniques, 2nd ed. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda. 732pp.

Technical References

  • Bailey, R.M., W.C. Latta, and G.R. Smith. 2004. An Atlas of Michigan Fishes. Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, No. 192, Ann Arbor. 215p.
  • Evers, D.C. 1994. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of Michigan. The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor. 412pp.
  • Hubbs, C.L. and K.F. Lagler. 2004. Fishes of the Great Lakes region, revised edition. Rev.ed. G.R. Smith. The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor MI. 276pp.
  • Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman. 1973. Freshwater fishes of Canada. Bulletin 184, Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ottawa. 966pp.
  • Smith, P.W. 1961. The amphibians and reptiles of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey, Carbondale. Bulletin No. 28. 298 pp.
  • Trautman, M.B. 1981. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus. 782pp.