Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped dace (Telestes metohiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
The species is endemic to the karst fields (polje) of eastern Herzegovina and adjacent Croatia, in springs, streams and waters that partly disappear underground.
Description
The striped dace is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 10 cm. The streamlined, silvery-grey body often bears a dark lengthwise stripe along the flank. The species is endemic to the karst fields (polje) of eastern Herzegovina and adjacent Croatia, in springs, streams and waters that partly disappear underground. In schools it feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and plant material. In spring it spawns in shallow, flowing water on gravel. The Balkans are a hotspot of endemic daces and cyprinids, with many species confined to a single drainage or even a single karst field, making them sensitive to water pollution, dams and water abstraction.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped dace?
The Striped dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender cyprinid with a dark longitudinal stripe along the silver flank; adapted to the clear, flowing karst rivers of the Balkans.
Where does the Striped dace live?
The Striped dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. The species is endemic to the karst fields (polje) of eastern Herzegovina and adjacent Croatia, in springs, streams and waters that partly disappear underground.
How big does the Striped dace get?
The Striped dace grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Striped dace dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped dace edible?
The Striped dace is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Telestes
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped dace?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped dace is one of 12,519 species in the app.