The spotfin shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae.

The heads of breeding male spotfin shiners become covered with small tubercles, and they feel rough, almost like sandpaper.

They also inhabit areas from Ontario and New York to North Dakota, as well as south to Alabama and eastern regions of Oklahoma.

They inhabit sand and gravel runs and pools of creeks, as well as small to medium rivers with clear, permanent flow.

Adult females deposit their eggs inside small crevices of rocks and submerged logs or roots.