Eastern Blacknose Dace

Description:

This small minnow, about 2 1/2 inches, may be distinguished from other minnows by the black lateral band which extends around the snout backward through the eye to the tail. The body is plumply rounded in front and compressed behind. The back is olive-green to dark brown in color while the lower sides and belly are silvery-white. Scattered over the back and sides are darkened scales. In breeding season males, have a rust-red coloration on the lower sides, and some have orange or red coloration on the pectoral fins. The Black nose dace spawns when the temperature reaches about 70 degrees, usually in May or June. Spawning takes place over gravel bottoms in the fast water of shallow riffles, where the water is a few inches to a foot deep. The food of the black nose dace consists primarily of aquatic chironomids insect larvae, and diatoms. Desmeds and other phytoplankton were eaten during November through March. They will also eat their own eggs, or others eggs if given the opportunity.

Habitat:

The black nose dace is found in small, rapid streams with rocky or gravely bottoms. Occasionally it is found in large rivers, but seldom in lakes and ponds. Commonly the black nose dace is found in the company of brook trout as well as some streams with temperatures above that which brookies can tolerate