Plants and Animals
Notropis chalybaeus Ironcolor shiner
Key Characteristics
The ironcolor shiner is a small (5-6 cm), yellowish fish that in breeding season has a bright red belly. This species has a complete lateral line with a lateral band that extends from snout to tail. It has a small subterminal oblique mouth with black pigmentation on the snout, chin, and inside of mouth.
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: X - Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered)
Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure
State Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | 1 | 1927 |
| Calhoun | 1 | 1930 |
| Cass | 2 | 1940 |
| St. Joseph | 2 | 1940 |
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 ironcolor shiner occurred in larger bodies of water (lakes and rivers) characterized by clear, well vegetated water with depths of 0.6 to 0.9 m.
Natural Community Types
- Headwater stream (1st-2nd order), riffle
- Headwater stream (1st-2nd order), run
- Inland lake, littoral, midwater
- Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), run
- Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), riffle
- River (5th-6th order), run
- River (5th-6th order), riffle
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
Degradation of stream habitat is the main factor in the ironcolor shiner's decline and possible disappearance in Michigan. Declines are also due to siltation, increased turbidity, and pollution.
Active Period
Spawning from fourth week of May to third week of July
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.
- 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.