About Pteronotropis hypselopterus (Günther, 1868)
The sailfin shiner, Pteronotropis hypselopterus, has a deep, compressed body with a narrow caudal fin base. Its lateral line curves downward, and the species reaches a maximum total length of 7 cm (2.75 in). The upper half of its body is pink-brown or olive, while the lower half is white or light pink. A dark brown stripe runs from its head to the dorsal fin, and a steel-blue stripe runs along its side, bordered above by a thin pink to red line. At the base of the caudal fin, small red spots sit on the upper and lower sides, and a black spot is located at the center of the side of the caudal fin base. The dorsal fin has a dusky central band, and all other fins are yellow to light orange. The dorsal and anal fins are nearly triangular and sail-shaped, which gives the species its common name. Breeding males develop light orange edges along their dorsal fins. This species occurs in Gulf Coast drainages from Alabama to Florida, including the Mobile Basin. It inhabits sand- or clay-bottomed pools and runs of creeks and small rivers, and is most often found near debris or aquatic vegetation.
