Fin's Fish Guide
The Northwest dace (Mylocheilus caurinus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Northwestern North America, from British Columbia to the northwestern USA.
Description
The peamouth is a North American minnow (Cyprinidae) from the northwest of the continent. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with two dark lateral stripes and a small mouth, and reaches about 36 cm. It inhabits lakes and slow-flowing reaches of small to medium rivers, often near vegetation, and forms schools; it can tolerate brackish water for short periods. The diet consists of aquatic and terrestrial insects, planktonic crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. In the past the species was of importance as a game and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northwest dace?
The Northwest dace has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Two dark longitudinal stripes; schooling fish that briefly tolerates brackish water.
Where does the Northwest dace live?
The Northwest dace lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwestern North America, from British Columbia to the northwestern USA.
How big does the Northwest dace get?
The Northwest dace grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Northwest dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Northwest dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Northwest dace edible?
Yes, the Northwest dace is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Northwest dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northwest dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.