In my pond they spawn at three inches, and I have also caught fully colored
males and ripe females of this size in the wild. They only improve with age
and size in color. Large males in spawning condition often have distorted
scales gold bronze scales and orange to red fins trimmed in black.. I have
noticed this strange scale pattern on quillbacks as well. Female goldens
remain silver, but often develop yellow fins with some black too.
They are not to bad to eat. I have fryed them along with other panfish and
they were alright. Nothing I would go out and target , but not unplatable
like common shiners and creek chubs.
They are awesome aquarium fish, working well with sunfish and other large
fish. I would suggest anyone thinking about the large silver barbs to give
the golden shiner a shot first, you won't be dissappointed.
Ray
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