Pugnose Shiner
Konrad Schmidt
Grows to 2 inches in length. Olive on top with a thin black line that runs along the upper back. Sides and belly silvery with a black outline around the edge of scales. Mouth on this species is sharply upturned.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round Resident.
Range Map
Pugnose Shiner Primary (dark gray) range and Possible (light gray) range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Rare in the Red River, possibly extirpated.
It has not been collected in 40 years in North Dakota but is present in RedRiver tributaries in Minnesota.
Threats
Degradation of quality habitat is recognized as the leading cause for decline in this species; specifically, loss and destruction of riparian habitat along waterways caused by a change in land use.
This species requires clear water and is highly susceptible to increased sedimentation.
Research and Monitoring
- The states rivers and streams are surveyed for species on a 5-year rotating schedule.
- North Dakota DEQ staff survey rivers and streams through their Index of Biotic Integrity program.
Management Recommendations
- Continue to use the Section 404 program to ensures affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with other federal agencies not covered by 404 to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with NDSWC to develop instream flow recommendations.
- Promote incentive programs to restore riparian areas.
- Continue to work with ND 319 Task Force in prioritizing projects within impaired watersheds and implementing BMPs.
- Implement intake conditions or recommendations.
- Cooperate with NDGFD Fisheries staff on state aquatic nuisance species plans.
- Removal of dams and other barriers.
- Retrofitting dams with fish passage structures.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Inhabits pools and small runs in clear streams.
Prefers vegetated areas with a firm bottom.
This species was last collected in the Forest River in 1964, but it is not known if it is still present.
Historically found in the Red and Sheyenne rivers.
No key areas have been identified for this species.