The rosyface shiner is common in the upper reaches of the Raccoon, Des Moines, Cedar, Wapsipinicon, and Maquoketa rivers, and all of the Turkey, Yellow, and Upper Iowa rivers. They are the distributional complement of their look alike -- the emerald shiner.

Rosyface shiners have a slender body form and are moderately compressed laterally. Their mouth is large, terminal, and oblique with no barbel present. The slender, slightly hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a 2, 4-4, 2 pattern. A slightly de-curved, complete lateral line has 33 to 39 scales. Dorsal and pelvic fins contain 8 rays, but the anal varies from 9 to 11 rays, and the pectorals have 12 to 18 rays. The dorsal fin is inserted behind the insertion of the pelvic fins. Coloration of the back is dark-olive and a faint mid-dorsal stripe may be present. Sides are silvery with a narrow emerald-lavender lateral band above the midline, and the belly is white. The base of the dorsal fin has a pink tinge. Spawning males have a flush of pink or orange on the head and body, which gives rise to their common name.

This shiner is primarily a small-stream species, preferring clear water and a gravel or rubble bottom. Spawning occurs in June or July when the nests of other minnows may be utilized. Adults reach lengths up to 3 inches and feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects. Rosyface shiners make excellent bait where they are available and can be utilized in home aquaria.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.