Identification
The body is relatively deep with a blunt snout and small mouth set slightly below the tip. Both jaws have a hard covering, and the lips are dark. Olive, green, brassy yellow and silver tones occur across the body.
Warm Springs
Desert Dace is associated with the springs and outflows of Soldier Meadows. The temperature it can tolerate is a documented limit, not a recommendation to make all its habitat that warm. Conditions can differ along a spring outflow.
Size and Conservation
The maximum length is 7.7 centimeters including the tail, with a smaller common reference around 5.1 centimeters. Changes to spring flow and habitat for irrigation or other uses are important conservation concerns. A small occupied area makes the condition of individual spring channels consequential.
Tolerance Is Not a Target
Surviving unusually warm water does not mean a fish benefits from further heating. Preserve the natural variation within its spring habitat.
All Lakes With Desert Dace
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Desert 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.