Flagfin shiner

Pteronotropis signipinnis
Pteronotropis signipinnis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Superclass:	Osteichthyes
Class:	Actinopterygii
Subclass:	Neopterygii
Infraclass:	Teleostei
Superorder:	Ostariophysi
Order:	Cypriniformes
Superfamily:	Cyprinioidea
Family:	Cyprinidae
Subfamily:	Leuciscinae
Genus:	Pteronotropis
Species:	P. signipinnis
Binomial name
Pteronotropis signipinnis (R. M. Bailey & Suttkus, 1952)
Synonyms
Notropis signipinnis

Pteronotropis signipinnis or flagfin shiner is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae (minnows), in the order Cypriniformes (carp).

Distribution

This freshwater species is benthopelagic and usually occurs over sand near vegetation, in creeks, small rivers, and flowing pools and runs of headwaters. They are found in the United States in the Apalachicola river in Florida, Pearl river in Mississippi, and parts of Louisiana. They are also found in Alabama but occur rarely.

Description

Pteronotropis signipinnis is small and colourful, growing to between 40 to 55 mm. The body tapers to a narrow caudal peduncle. Much of the sides are covered by a lateral band dark in colour. The caudal, dorsal and anal fins are yellow or red-orange with black marginal rays. Present on the caudal fin base are two bright sulfur-yellow spots, with the region between the spots being substantially darker. Pteronotropis signipinnis exists syntopically with the sailfin shiner, P. hypselopterus, and the two can be difficult to differentiate. Pteronotropis signipinnis can be distinguished by its red fins, yellow tail spots, and smaller tubercles.

Etymology

"Pteronotropis" means "winged keeled back", which refers to the breeding males' enlarged dorsal fin. "Signipinnis" means "banner fin", referring to the striking color of the median fins.