A broad mid-dorsal stripe, along the top of the back, is subtended by 2 or 3 narrow, parallel stripes and is best seen by viewing the fish from above. The dorsal and pelvic fins have 8 rays, while the pectoral fins have from 15 to 17, and the anal fin usually has 9 rays. A large, terminal mouth is nearly horizontal and has no barbel. Common shiners have a habitat preference for clear water and reach their greatest abundance in the upstream tributaries of major interior rivers. These minnows build nests and spawn in the spring over clean gravel and commonly utilize the nests of other minnows.
Forage consists of both plant and animal material.
Adults reach 8 to 10 inches in length, and they are an excellent bait fish.