They are one of the most popular bait fish and have been raised by people for the bait industry for years. Although generally a lake species, golden shiners live just about any place the water is quiet, weedy, clean, and somewhat shallow. The lateral line that runs along their sides noticeably dips down in the middle of their bodies, distinguishing them from some of their relatives. Juvenile golden shiners are silver, but adults are gold or brassy with red fins. Adult golden shiners are generally five to seven inches long, but can grow as long as ten inches.
Golden shiners grow rapidly and reach maturity at age two.
The adhesive eggs are simply scattered over vegetation. There is no parental care. Aside from their use as bait, golden shiners are occasionally caught and eaten by fishermen. A small minnow, blacknose dace rarely grow larger than three inches long. Blacknose dace can be distinguished from other minnows by the numerous speckles on their dark upper bodies.