The Bridle Shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), is a slim, silver minnow that is listed as “special concern”, and therefore may become endangered due to a combination of some threats. This fish can grow up to 6 cm in length and lives for approximately 2 years. They prefer unpolluted and highly vegetated rivers and lakes, where they can spawn, catch prey and hide from predators effectively. Like most minnows, they typically prey on larger fish species such as perch, bass and pike. Chemically polluted runoff has caused these areas, especially in Lake Ontario, to become unclear and toxic. Additionally, the invasive species the Eurasian Watermilfoil has been known to clog the spawning sites of the Bridle Shiner. These two factors combined has caused the Bridle Shiner species to drastically decline over the years. Since this fish is of “Special Concern”and not considered “Endangered” (yet), there are no government oriented protective measures for this species.
Fun fact: Bridle Shiners usually only spawn once and this occurs during the Spring or Summer.
Sources:
http://www.ontariofishes.ca/fish_detail.php?FID=40
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