This is a very rural creek and we've had theses types of shiners since the 1960's that's as long as my memory goes back.. Had no idea they were threatned in Texas but read they were in other states. We have always called them redfin minnows and used them for years for bait..
If so I apparently have a stronghold for these little fish.. I will do my best to increase their numbers but I have thousands.. As soon as I lower the minnow trap into the creek they swarm the trap in a matter of minutes... The creek has a good current and they come flying up the creek as the bait smell reaches them looking for dinner..
I don't think these are Rudd's because I've never seen any get that large, they are not golden olive but iridescent blue to silver and I've seen a Rudd before... They have them in a lake about 15 miles from me.. I might go visit and try and catch a young rudd for comparison..
From the link supplied Rudd's don't like swift moving creeks..
The large picture GW linked is a perfect example to me... I laid one down and compared them and they are almost identical.
http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/Cyprinidae/redfin_shiner_pic.html Meadowlark I would be glad to give you some but let me make sure 100% what they are first.. I'm 99% sure right now.. I do like them so far..
I put 40 or 50 into my pond on another property and they are doing well.... I have seen a couple get ate though, which is good.. I still can't find any drawbacks to this breed of fish yet?
ML, By the way 3 of your BG are now guarding nest! Watched one mating this afternoon, Yippie!
Genetic injection already starting just one week after introduction.. Still none have died that I know of..
