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.