What is it?

The Topeka Shiner Minnow, or Notropis topeka, is a small fish that rarely reaches a length of three inches. It is silver colored with a dark stripe of its side.

Where is it?

Historically, the Shiner ranged across the Midwest, occurring in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.

Now, the Shiner is limited to areas of the Missouri and Mississippi River basins, and parts of Kansas.

What is its habitat?

Topeka Shiner Minnows live in small prairie streams with high water quality. They are found in pool and run areas, at mid-water and surface depths.

Why is it endangered?

Due to the Topeka Shiner Minnow’s need for high water quality, the species is extremely susceptible to changes in that quality. Soil erosion and runoff increases sediment loads in streams that the Shiner inhabits. Concentrations in polluting substances are increasing as well. These factors contribute to decreasing the water quality in many areas of the Shiner’s habitat.

Another contributing factor is development of reservoirs and dams that limit the flexibility of the Shiner to find suitable, predator-free habitat during dry seasons.