The Ozark Shiner (Notropis ozarcanus) requires creeks and small rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms and strong, permanent flow. The Ozark Shiner has disappeared from many stream reaches that are below impoundments and receive cold-water releases. These dams and reservoirs also serve as barriers that prevent colonization of suitable habitat. Increases in turbidity, siltation from land practices, gravel removal operations, and nutrient enrichment from poultry and swine farms are additional threats to this unique minnow species.
