Reproduction
The total reproductive period of sand shiners extends from May or June through August with slight variation in time of spawning depending upon latitude. The peak of activity occurs in July and August when water temperature is high (27- 37°C ) and there is minimal rain and runoff allowing for lower water levels. Summerfelt and Minckley hypothesis spawning during the hot-dry portion of the summer is adaptive for survival as it may enhance the survival of the young. The sand shiner is a broadcast spawner that lays demersal, adhesive eggs, suggesting that the sand shiners spawning is not correlated with flow spikes. Eggs are laid in shallow water over sandy substrate in which the eggs rapidly settle to and attach to loose gravel, failing to become buoyant. Following hatching, most growth is achieved during the first year of life. A length of 10.5 mm has been reported for the size of the sand shiner at time of scale formation. Once fish reach age I or II, spawning can occur with the former being more numerous. Fecundity varies from 150-1,000 eggs per female per year. There is an increase in fecundity with standard length (or age) of the fish. Egg diameter ranges from 0.75-0.95 mm. On average, the sand shiner has a longevity of three summers.
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