Physical appearance
The Altamaha shiner is a minnow. The maximum recorded length of an adult is 11 cm (4.5 in). Physical characteristics of the Altamaha shiner include a pointed snout and a terminal or slightly sub-terminal mouth. Coloration includes a dusky olive upper portion of the body, a dark streak along the back, and a silver-black stripe on the rear half of the body which is often spread into a distinct spot on the base of the caudal fin. Breeding males have multiple distinct features including one side of the body being blue, possessing white fins, and unique yellow to orange caudal, dorsal, and anal fins. Typically, there are 26 scales on the body. Of these, 16 are located around the caudal peduncle. This species has 10-11 anal rays, between 38-40 lateral scales, and pharyngeal teeth in a 1,4-4,1 pattern.
Geographic range and habitat
The Altamaha shiner resides in the upper portions of the Oconee River and the Ocmulgee River. It is found nowhere else in the world. It prefers the habitat of small sandy and rocky pools; additionally, this minnow is typically found in small rivers, creeks, and streams.
Life history
Very little is known about the life history of this elusive minnow. It is assumed that the Altamaha shiner eats aquatic insects or terrestrial insects which have been captured in stream drift. The Altamaha shiner lays its eggs in small crevices or small cracks within rocks.
Threats
Damming of minor rivers and tributaries along the Oconee River and Ocmulgee River are the major threat to the Altamaha shiner. Degradation of stream quality is also a major threat to the Altamaha shiner. A lack of Best Management Practices has caused sedimentation to accumulate into the river systems; the accumulation of sediments is caused by a lack of Best Management Practices from forestry and agriculture, an increase in storm water drainage due to rapid urbanization, and sediments seeping into the river from construction sites. Excess sedimentation can disturb or destroy eggs which are laid in crevices or small cracks within rocks.
Article text: Wikipedia contributors, Altamaha shiner (source revision). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Retrieved 2026-10-11.
