Adult fish feed on plant materials and some zooplankton and insects. Although they are used as a baitfish in some parts of Canada, redbelly dace are rarely used for bait by people in New York State. As the name implies, common shiners are found in numerous waters across New York State. They are primarily stream fish, preferring areas without fast moving water. They will tolerate some salt, but cannot survive in muddy water.
Common shiners are generally three to four inches long, but can grow as large as six inches.
They have large, diamond-shaped scales covering their mostly silver bodies. During the spawning season, male common shiners develop blue backs and red bellies. Spawning occurs in late spring. Males select nest sites at the upstream end of riffles. Common shiners will spawn in both groups and individual pairs.