Fin's Fish Guide
The Blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water of the east of North America, in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The blacknose dace is a small, stocky stream fish of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 12 cm. The brownish body bears a dark lengthwise stripe running from the snout through the eye to the tail; in the breeding season the stripe and belly of the male turn reddish. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stone bottoms. In schools it feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. In spring and early summer it spawns on gravel. As a common stream fish it is an important prey for trout and other predators and is locally used as a bait fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blacknose dace?
The Blacknose dace has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, stocky river fish with a dark longitudinal stripe from the snout to the tail; in the spawning season the male turns reddish.
Where does the Blacknose dace live?
The Blacknose dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of the east of North America, in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Blacknose dace get?
The Blacknose dace grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Blacknose dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Blacknose dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blacknose dace edible?
The Blacknose dace is not usually eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Rhinichthys
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blacknose dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.