Below this color band is a wider black band. The body coloration is very similar to the African Pelvicachromis pulcher. Without going into too much detail it would probably suffice to say that the body shape of signipinnis differs from that of most species of Notropis in that the body is broader in the vertical plane rather than the usual oblong shiner shape. Most reference books claim that the average length of signipinnis is two inches, but we grow them big here in Alabama with males averaging closer to three inches from the snout to the base of the caudal fin. Breeding males display nuptial tubercles on the chin, lower jaws and on the side of the head.
Females are without tubercles.
After careful inspection this difference becomes obvious, but at first glance differentiation of the sexes is difficult. The flagfin is a congenial community tank member with an easy to please appetite, it loves flake food and feels right at home swimming in the effluent of a power filter. You can watch them darting in and out during feeding time, eating the food drawn into the water by the current. It goes without saying that the adult fish must be healthy and well conditioned. Upon close examination you might see eggs scattered at random throughout the tank.