Fin's Fish Guide
The Redside dace (Clinostomus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Flowing waters of eastern North America (Great Lakes, Ohio and Mississippi basins).
Description
The redside dace is a slender North American cyprinid from clear, cool streams and spring waters in the eastern United States and Canada. The species has a streamlined body with a large, obliquely upturned mouth and reaches about 12 cm. Breeding males develop brilliant red flanks, hence the name. It lives in schools in flowing reaches and sometimes leaps from the water to catch insects; the diet consists of aquatic and terrestrial insects. The species is regarded as an indicator of clean, cool water and is locally threatened by pollution and habitat loss.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redside dace?
The Redside dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Spawning-ready males with bright red flanks; jumps out of the water to catch insects; indicator of clean, cool water.
Where does the Redside dace live?
The Redside dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Flowing waters of eastern North America (Great Lakes, Ohio and Mississippi basins).
How big does the Redside dace get?
The Redside dace grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Redside dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Redside dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Redside dace edible?
The Redside dace is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clinostomus
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 Redside dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.