Range and Identity
Clinostomus elongatus occurs in scattered eastern North American drainages, including parts of the Great Lakes and adjacent Atlantic and Mississippi systems. Canadian records are concentrated in southern Ontario. This patchy distribution should not be described as continuous occupancy of the entire region.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults use pools and slower parts of small streams, often with gravel and overhanging vegetation. Leaps of about ten centimeters have been documented during insect capture. Streamside plants therefore have a direct connection to feeding, as well as shelter and local water conditions.
Food and Life History
The upper reference is twelve centimeters total length. Spawning occurs in shallow stream areas, and the fish can use nests built by other minnows. That association should retain its context rather than imply that Redside Dace itself provides all of the nest defense.
Field Note
Include the overhanging vegetation in a habitat photograph. A tight crop of the water alone can miss the source of insects used by this unusual surface-feeding fish.
All Lakes With Redside Dace
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Redside Dace records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.