We have found it in nearly every stream large or small. A particularly likely place to look for commons is a pool below a riffle where the water may be one to several feet deep and the current may flow with considerable force. When captured, larger common shiners are readily recognized by their deep, robust body, especially anteriorly. Usually only specimens of four inches and up develop full color, though smaller males may show some red in the fins. Commons commonly reach seven or eight inches.
Young fish lack the robust appearance of older ones.
When viewed in the net, they exhibit subtle hues of metallic purple on their sides. These shades rarely show up in the aquarium. Common shiners grow remarkably quickly in aquaria, even with normal feedings. As community tank fish, common shiners are generally peaceful and rarely bother tankmates, even those much smaller. In full spawning condition, however, males can become a bit rammy, especially towards each other.