Fin's Fish Guide
The Allegheny pearl dace (Margariscus margarita) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Eastern North America, in pools of upper reaches and small rivers and in ponds and lakes, usually over sand or gravel.
Description
The Allegheny pearl dace is a small North American minnow (family Leuciscidae). The species reaches about 16 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey body; males develop reddish tones on the flank in the breeding season. It inhabits pools of headwaters and small rivers, and also ponds and lakes, usually over sand or gravel. Its diet is broad and includes copepods, water fleas, midge larvae, beetles and plant matter. The species lives in loose groups and is an indicator of cool, clear water. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Allegheny pearl dace?
The Allegheny pearl dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small cyprinid of cool, clear waters; males colour red in the spawning season.
Where does the Allegheny pearl dace live?
The Allegheny pearl dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern North America, in pools of upper reaches and small rivers and in ponds and lakes, usually over sand or gravel.
How big does the Allegheny pearl dace get?
The Allegheny pearl dace grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Allegheny pearl dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Allegheny pearl dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Allegheny pearl dace edible?
The Allegheny pearl dace is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Allegheny pearl dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Allegheny pearl dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Allegheny pearl dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Allegheny pearl dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.