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The Finescale Dace

Finescale Dace is a northern minnow of ponds, lakes and slow stream pools. Its small scales, large mouth and dark side stripe help identify a fish also known for hybridizing with Northern Redbelly Dace.

Identification

The head and terminal mouth are relatively large. A dark cape covers the upper body, with a dark side stripe and usually a tail-base spot. Numerous small scales line the flank, and larger males may develop red along the sides.

Northern Waters

The range crosses much of Canada and extends into parts of the northern United States. Soft-bottomed, sluggish waters near vegetation are characteristic. A northern stream record still benefits from specific information about pool habitat and bottom material.

Hybrid Biology

The species forms hybrid lineages with Northern Redbelly Dace. Published accounts describe female hybrid lineages reproducing in association with males of parental species. A mixed population should not be assigned a simple visual identity without considering that complexity. The eleven-centimeter maximum belongs to Finescale Dace itself.

Watch for Mixed Ancestry

Where both parent species occur, some dace can belong to hybrid lineages. Preserve identification uncertainty rather than forcing every fish into a parent species.

All Lakes With Finescale Dace

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Finescale Dace records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 135 lakes · Page 1 of 6

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