Fin's Fish Guide
The Mountain redbelly dace (Chrosomus oreas) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Fresh water of the eastern Appalachian region in North America, in clear, cool streams and small rivers with gravel.
Description
The mountain redbelly dace is a small cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 7 cm. Two dark lengthwise stripes run along the flank over a golden-yellow ground. In the breeding season males colour spectacularly: the belly turns bright red and the fins and flanks yellow, one of the finest colour displays among North American stream fishes. The species lives in schools in clear, cool streams and small rivers with gravel in the eastern Appalachian region. As an omnivore it eats algae, diatoms, small invertebrates and detritus. In late spring it spawns over gravel, often on the nests of other minnows. Because of its colour it is sought after by keepers of native aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mountain redbelly dace?
The Mountain redbelly dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small cyprinid with two dark longitudinal stripes; in the spawning season the male takes on a bright red belly and yellow fins.
Where does the Mountain redbelly dace live?
The Mountain redbelly dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of the eastern Appalachian region in North America, in clear, cool streams and small rivers with gravel.
How big does the Mountain redbelly dace get?
The Mountain redbelly dace grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Mountain redbelly dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Mountain redbelly dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mountain redbelly dace edible?
The Mountain redbelly dace is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chrosomus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Mountain redbelly dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mountain redbelly dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.