Fin's Fish Guide
The Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Fresh water of much of North America, in fast-flowing, stony streams and rivers (riffles) and along wave-washed shores of lakes.
Description
The longnose dace is a stocky, bottom-living cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 22 cm. The brownish, mottled body has a long, fleshy snout overhanging the inferior mouth, with a small barbel at the corner of the mouth - a build suited to life on the bottom of fast-flowing water. The species is one of the most widespread freshwater fish of North America and lives in fast, stony streams and rivers (riffles) and along wave-washed lake shores. Among the stones it searches, mainly at night, for insect larvae, small crustaceans and algae. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is an important prey fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longnose dace?
The Longnose dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stocky, bottom-living cyprinid with a long snout projecting over the mouth and an inferior mouth; lives in fast-flowing water.
Where does the Longnose dace live?
The Longnose dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of much of North America, in fast-flowing, stony streams and rivers (riffles) and along wave-washed shores of lakes.
How big does the Longnose dace get?
The Longnose dace grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Longnose dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Longnose dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longnose dace edible?
The Longnose dace is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Rhinichthys
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Longnose dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longnose dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.