New Jersey Scuba Diving

Golden Shiner

Notemigonus crysoleucas

Size
to 12"
usually much smaller

There are hundreds of species of shiners in North America, and dozens in New Jersey. The Golden Shiner is probably the most attractive of these minnows in our area, although only the male wears these colors, and then only when breeding. Otherwise, they are much drabber. Shiners prefer quiet or slowly flowing waters.

Another common minnow is the Bridled Shiner.

Herrings

American Shad
( right )
Alosa sapidissima

Size: to 30" and over 9 pounds

Habitat: coastal and estuarine waters

Notes:

Oceanic adult herrings spend their days deep and come up to the shallows at night to feed, so you are not very likely to see them. Small ones may be more commonly found in inshore waters. Sometimes the marinas and inlets are full of tiny immature herrings known as "Peanuts." Saltwater herrings ascend rivers to spawn. All herrings are primarily filter-feeders, although larger ones may also be predatory on small fishes, squids, and other prey.

More: Herrings ...

Golden Shiner

Midwater Fishes

Herrings