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Cypriniformes (Carps) >
Leuciscidae (Minnows) > Plagopterinae
Etymology: Semotilus: Greek, sema = banner (dorsal fin) + Greek, tilos = spotted; used by Rafinesque (Ref. 45335).
Eponymy: Not a true eponym as it refers to a people; the Lumbee Indians who inhabited the Lumber River system in North Carolina, USA, the type locality. (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; demersal. Temperate; 36°N - 34°N
North America: 'Carolina Sandhills' of south-central North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, USA; encompassing portions of Cape Fear, Peedee, and Santee river drainages.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 24.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 86798); common length : 13.6 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 12193)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Semotilus lumbee is similar to S. atromaculatus, but lacks discrete black spot at dorsal fin base (dusky spot may be present), more strongly bicolored (dark above, white below), has 9 rays on dorsal fin, larger scales (usually 18 scales around caudal). This species possesses 42-52 lateral line scales. Breeding males have red fins (Ref. 86798).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
Occurs in flowing, sand-bottomed and gravel-bottomed pools and runs of headwaters, creeks, and small rivers (Ref. 5723).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr, 2011. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Boston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 663p. (Ref. 86798)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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