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Cyprinella caerulea

(Jordan, 1877)

Blue Shiner

G2Imperiled (G2G3) Found in 4 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
G2ImperiledGlobal Rank
EndangeredIUCN
High - lowThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.106038
Element CodeAFCJB49020
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNEndangered
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyLeuciscidae
GenusCyprinella
Synonyms
Notropis caeruleus(Jordan, 1877)
Concept Reference
Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 20. 183 pp.
Taxonomic Comments
Removed from genus Notropis and placed in genus (formerly subgenus) Cyprinella by Mayden (1989); this change was adopted in the 1991 AFS checklist (Robins et al. 1991).
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2023-05-05
Change Date2023-05-05
Edition Date2023-05-05
Edition AuthorsGlass-Godwin, L., and G. Hammerson (2011), N. Sears (2023)
Threat ImpactHigh - low
Range Extent5000-20,000 square km (about 2000-8000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank Reasons
This species has suffered a broad historical range contraction and is currently confined to relatively small and fragmented populations that are vulnerable to water quality threats attributed to land use changes. Although good populations persist in the Conasauga River system in Georgia and Tennessee, and populations appear stable, ongoing deterioration of habitat and water quality may threaten long-term persistence.
Range Extent Comments
The historical range of this species included the Cahaba and Coosa river systems in the Mobile Bay drainage above the Fall Line, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, USA. The species is currently distributed within four major watersheds of the upper Coosa River system (Choccolocco Creek, West Fork of the Little River, Weogufka Creek in Alabama, Conasauga River in Georgia and the lower Jacks River in Tennessee) (USFWS 2014, 2021).

In Alabama, the species is extirpated in the Cahaba River and Wills Creek. In Georgia, it's extirpated in the Etowah, Coosawattee and Oostanaula river systems (Burkhead et al. 1997, USFWS 2014).
Occurrences Comments
This species is known from approximately 10 localities, which approximate occurrences (using a separation distance of 10 km), with records from the period 1993-2023 (NatureServe 2023, GBIF 2023).
Threat Impact Comments
The historical range of the blue shiner has been reduced and fragmented by geomorphic and hydrologic changes from the construction of reservoirs, bridges, pipelines and roads, as well as water pollution, sedimentation, and general declining water quality attributed to non-sustainable urbanization and land use practices (USFWS 2014, 2021). Soil erosion from construction sites and bridge crossings, and increased stormwater runoff from developing urban and industrial areas, continue to impact the water quality (Georgia Biodiversity Portal 2023, USFWS 2021). Other threats include hybridization with the non-native red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) and climate change (Glotzbecker et al. 2016, Nico et al. 2021, USFWS 2021). Competition with the invasive Asiatic Weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in Choccolocco Creek, Alabama, is a potential threat (White and Mead 2015).

Water pollution likely resulted in the extirpation from the Cahaba River in Alabama in the early 1970s; there were known increases in chloride concentrations from gas extraction at the time (CFI 2022, USFWS 2014).
Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Habitat includes cool, clear, small to medium-sized rivers over firm substrates (sand, gravel, or rubble) in pools, backwaters, and areas of moderate current (Lee et al. 1980, Pierson and Krotzer 1987, Etnier and Starnes 1993, Page and Burr 2011).

Reproduction

Spawns over an extended period in spring and summer; fractional spawner; most spawners are in their third summer, though some mature earlier (see Etnier and Starnes 1993).
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN2
ProvinceRankNative
GeorgiaS2Yes
TennesseeS1Yes
AlabamaS1Yes
Threat Assessments
ThreatScopeSeverityTiming
4 - Transportation & service corridorsSmall (1-10%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
4.1 - Roads & railroadsSmall (1-10%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
7 - Natural system modificationsRestricted - smallExtreme - moderateInsignificant/negligible or past
7.2 - Dams & water management/useRestricted - smallExtreme - moderateInsignificant/negligible or past
8 - Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesSmall (1-10%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineModerate - low
8.1 - Invasive non-native/alien species/diseasesSmall (1-10%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineModerate - low
9 - PollutionLarge - restrictedExtreme - moderateHigh (continuing)
9.1 - Domestic & urban waste waterLarge - restrictedExtreme - moderateHigh (continuing)
9.2 - Industrial & military effluentsLarge - restrictedExtreme - moderateHigh (continuing)
9.3 - Agricultural & forestry effluentsLarge - restrictedExtreme - moderateHigh (continuing)
11 - Climate change & severe weatherUnknownUnknownHigh (continuing)
11.4 - Storms & floodingUnknownUnknownHigh (continuing)

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Roadless Areas (4)
Alabama (1)
AreaForestAcres
Blue MountainTalladega National Forest4,986
Georgia (3)
AreaForestAcres
Foster BranchChattahoochee National Forest171
Ken MountainChattahoochee National Forest527
Pink KnobChattahoochee National Forest12,127
References (35)
  1. Boschung, H. T., and R. L. Mayden. 2004. Fishes of Alabama. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 960 pp.
  2. Burkhead, N. M., S. J. Walsh, B. J. Freeman, and J. D. Williams. 1997. Status and restoration of the Etowah River, an imperiled southern Appalachian ecosystem. Aquatic Fauna in Peril, Status and Restoration of the Etowah River, an Imperiled Southern Appalachian Ecosystem. Online. Available: https://sherpaguides.com/southeast/aquatic_fauna/chapter_16/index.html
  3. Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI). 2022. Blue Shiner, <i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>, species account. Online at: https://www.conservationfisheries.org/minnows/blue-shiner
  4. Dobson, T. L. 1994. An ichthyofaunal survey of the Little River drainage in Alabama with notes on <i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>. M.S. thesis, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama. 165 pp.
  5. Etnier, D. A., and W. C. Starnes. 1993. The fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, Tennessee. xiv + 681 pp.
  6. Freeman, B. J. (Institute of Ecology and Museum of Natural History, University of Georgia). 1997. Review and annotation of fish watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC.
  7. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 2023. Georgia Biodiversity Portal. Wildlife Resources Division, Wildlife Conservation Section, Social Circle, GA. https://www.georgiabiodiversity.com/portal/#
  8. Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCAT). 2023. Online. Available: http://geocat.kew.org/ (Accessed 2023)
  9. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). 2023. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data portal. Online. Available: https://www.gbif.org/ (accessed 2023).
  10. Glotzbecker, G., Walters, D., and Blum, M. 2016. Rapid movement and instability of an invasive hybrid swarm. Evolutionary Applications. Ltd 9 741-755 pp.
  11. Jelks, H. L., S. J. Walsh, N. M. Burkhead, S. Contreras-Balderas, E. Díaz-Pardo, D. A. Hendrickson, J. Lyons, N. E. Mandrak, F. McCormick, J. S. Nelson, S. P. Platania, B. A. Porter, C. B. Renaud, J. Jacobo Schmitter-Soto, E. B. Taylor, and M.L. Warren, Jr. 2008. Conservation status of imperiled North American freshwater and diadromous fishes. Fisheries 33(8):372-407.
  12. Krotzer, R.S. 1984. The ecological life history of the blue shiner, <i>Notropis caeruleus</i> (Jordan), from the upper Conasauga River, Georgia. M.S. thesis, Samford University, Birmingham, AL. 38 pp.
  13. Lee, D. S., C. R. Gilbert, C. H. Hocutt, R. E. Jenkins, D. E. McAllister, and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, North Carolina. i-x + 854 pp.
  14. MacBeth, Robyn M. (Georgia Natural Heritage Program). 1997. Review and annotation of fish and mussel watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC. September 1997.
  15. Major, Smoot (Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage). 1997. Review and annotation of fish and mussel watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC on 19 August 1997.
  16. Mayden, R. L. 1989. Phylogenetic studies of North American minnows, with emphasis on the genus <i>Cyprinella</i> (Teleostei: Cypriniformes). University of Kansas Museum of Natural History Miscellaneous Publication (80):1-189.
  17. Mettee, M. F., P. E. O'Neil, and J. M. Pierson. 1996. Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Birmingham, Alabama. 820 pp.
  18. NatureServe. 2023. NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia.
  19. Nelson, J. S., E. J. Crossman, H. Espinosa-Perez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, and J. D. Williams. 2004. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 29, Bethesda, Maryland. 386 pp.
  20. Nico, L., P. Fuller, M. Neilson, and W. Daniel. 2021. <i>Cyprinella lutrensis</i> (Baird and Girard, 1853): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=518
  21. Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes: North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 432 pp.
  22. Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 2011. Peterson field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Second edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston. xix + 663 pp.
  23. Page, L. M., H. Espinosa-Pérez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, N. E. Mandrak, R. L. Mayden, and J. S. Nelson. 2013. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Seventh edition. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 34, Bethesda, Maryland.
  24. Page, L. M., K. E. Bemis, T. E. Dowling, H.S. Espinosa-Pérez, L.T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, K. E. Hartel, R. N. Lea, N. E. Mandrak, M. A. Neigbors, J. J. Schmitter-Soto, and H. J. Walker, Jr. 2023. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eighth edition. American Fisheries Society (AFS), Special Publication 37, Bethesda, Maryland, 439 pp.
  25. Pierson, J. M. 2004. Blue shiner, <i>Cyprinella caerulea</i> (Jordan 1877). Page 206 in R.E. Mirarchi, J.T. Garner, M.F. Mettee, P.E. O’Neil, editors. Alabama wildife. Volume 2. Imperiled aquatic mollusks and fishes. The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL.
  26. Pierson, J. M., and R. S. Krotzer. 1987. The distribution, relative abundance, and life history of the blue shiner, <i>Notropis caeruleus</i> (Jordan). Alabama Nongame Wildife Final Report, Alabama Dept. of Conservation, Montgomery. 105 pp.
  27. Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 20. 183 pp.
  28. Shute, Peggy (Aquatic Zoologist, Tennessee Valley Authority Regional Heritage). 1997. Review and annotation of fish watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC. October 1997.
  29. State Natural Heritage Data Centers. 1996a. Aggregated element occurrence data from all U.S. state natural heritage programs, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Navajo Nation and the District of Columbia. Science Division, The Nature Conservancy.
  30. State Natural Heritage Data Centers. 1996c. Aggregated element occurrence data from all U.S. state natural heritage programs, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Navajo Nation and the District of Columbia: Export of freshwater fish and mussel records from the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1997. Science Division, The Nature Conservancy.
  31. Stewart, J. H. and R. Larson. 1995. Blue shiner (<i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>) recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Jackson, Mississippi. 20 pp.
  32. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1992. Threatened status for two fish, the goldline darter <i>Percina aurolineata</i> and blue shiner <i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>. Federal Register 57(78):14786-14790.
  33. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2014. Blue Shiner (<i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>). Five-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Mississippi Ecological Services Field Office, Jackson, Mississippi. 29 pp.
  34. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Blue Shiner (<i>Cyprinella caerulea</i>). Five-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta Regional Office, Georgia Ecological Services Field Office, Athens, Georgia. 11 pp.
  35. White, L. M. and M. E. Meade. 2015. Occurrence of the Asiatic Weatherfish, Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842), in Alabama, USA. Research, Publications & Creative Work. 49. https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/fac_res/49