It is found across North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, commonly in large, deep lakes and rivers, though sometimes in smaller bodies of water as well.

It feeds on small organisms such as zooplankton and insects, congregating in large groups near the surface of the water.

Emerald shiners are native to North America; they are widely distributed throughout Canada, and south to Virginia and Texas.

[3][4] Live emerald shiners are a bright, iridescent, silvery green with a silver mid-lateral band.

[1] In medium-sized habitats the temperature preference for the shiner is 25 °C (77 °F), and they are tolerant of low oxygen levels.

[11] Both aquatic and terrestrial insects obtained at the surface of the water are a small portion of their diet.

[16][17] The glistening sides of the shiner, along with its graceful movements make it a good aquarium fish.

Currently, this species is of relatively low conservation concern and does not require significant additional protection or major management, monitoring, or research action.

[13] Emerald shiners tend to spawn near the surface in open water near boulders and gravel shoals.

[3] They are pelagic spawners with numerous buoyant eggs that have none or poorly-developed respiratory organs, and little pigment.

[11] Spawning occurs at night, about 1 to 2 feet below the surface, milling and darting in a circular path.

Emerald shiners resemble members of the silverside family, hence the species name atherinoides, silverside-like.