Warpaint Shiner

A DWR Biologist observes a Warpaint Shiner during a fish community survey. ©Photo by Tim Lane - DWR

An up-close view of the distinctive markings on a Warpaint Shiner. ©Photo by Tamara Doucette - DWR

Fact File

Scientific Name: Coccotis coccogenis

Classification: Fish, Order Cypriniformes, Family Leuciscidae

Size: Warpaint Shiner can grow to about 4 inches in length in Virginia.

Life Span: Warpaint Shiner can live for up to 4 years in Virginia waters.

Distribution:

The Warpaint Shiner is native to the Holston, Powell, and Upper Clinch watersheds in Virginia. Unauthorized introductions have occurred in the adjacent Upper New watershed.

The warpaint shiner is found throughout the western tip of Virginia and has been introduced in the easternmost boundaries of it's domain

Identifying Characteristics

A small, 4-5 inch, warpaint shiner, a mostly silver fish with vertical strips on the side of its face resembling warpaint.

A DWR Biologist examines a Warpaint Shiner collected during an electrofishing survey. ©Photo by Maddie Cogar – DWR

A vertical red-orange opercular bar
Red-orange upper lip
Dark submarginal band within the caudal and dorsal fin
Red-orange pigmentation at the base of the dorsal fin
Large oblique mouth

Leuciscidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms

An illustration naming different parts of the fish - Single dorsal fin, forked tail, pelvic fin positioned under dorsal fin, and no scales on cheeks or opercular flap.

A diagram of two illustrated fish. The first, on the left, names the parts of the fish - Operculum, dorsal fin, caudal peduncle, caudal fin, anal fin, pelvic fin, and pectoral fin. The second, on the right, has a horizontal and vertical arrow names the areas of the fish - Anterior, dorsal, posterior, and ventral.

Habitat

Warpaint Shiners inhabit coolwater streams with areas of gravel and cobble. They are sensitive to sedimentation and nutrient pollution which degrades their physical habitat and reduces the availability of their primary food items.

Diet

Warpaint Shiners consume aquatic invertebrates as well as other small insects.

Last updated: March 20, 2025

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.