Rhinichthys cataractae (Valenciennes, 1842)
Longnose dace
Rhinichthys cataractae
photo by The Native Fish Conservancy

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Pogonichthyinae
Max. size:  22.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 5 years
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7; dH range: 10 - 15
Distribution:  North America: distributed above 40°N from coast to coast; as far north as Arctic Circle in Mackenzie River drainage; south in Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and in Rocky Mountains south into Rio Grande drainage of Texas and northern Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 40-42. Absence of a groove between the upper lip and tip of snout. Barbel present. Snout long and overhanging.
Biology:  Inhabits rubble and gravel riffles (sometimes runs and pools) of fast creeks and small to medium rivers as well as rocky shores of lakes (Ref. 5723, 86798). Young up to 4 months are pelagic (Ref. 1998). Form schools (Ref. 1998). Feeds on mayflies, blackflies, and midges (Ref. 1998). Spawns over pits in loose gravel substrate (Ref. 51972). Widely used as bait in the USA (Ref. 1998). Artificially propagated in Minnesota, USA in long narrow ponds having weak water flow (Ref. 1998).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 September 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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