EntdeckenFische

Lahontan Redside

richardsonius egregius

The Lahontan Redside is a vibrant, slender minnow native to the cool, clear waters of the Lahontan Basin in Nevada and California. Reaching only a few inches in length, this active freshwater fish plays a crucial role in its aquatic ecosystem, serving as a primary food source for larger native predators like the Lahontan cutthroat trout. They are highly social and are typically observed swimming in large, synchronized schools near the surface of lakes and slow-moving streams. During the spring breeding season, these minnows undergo a stunning transformation, with males developing brilliant crimson and gold stripes along their flanks, making them a beautiful sight for sharp-eyed nature observers.

Lebensraum: Typically found in cool, clear, slow-moving streams, rivers, and subalpine lakes within the Lahontan Basin.

Aussehen

The Lahontan Redside is a small, streamlined fish with a compressed body, typically measuring between 6 to 15 centimeters in length. It features a dark, olive to bluish-black back that fades to a silvery-white belly. Its most distinguishing feature is a prominent lateral color pattern: a bright gold-yellow stripe sits directly above a vibrant red or pink band that runs from the gill cover to the base of the tail fin. This coloration becomes exceptionally intense and fiery in spawning males, while females and juveniles exhibit more muted, silvery tones.

ReichAnimaliaStammChordataKlasseActinopterygiiOrdnungCypriniformesFamilieLeuciscidaeGattungRichardsonius

Lahontan Redside

Kategorie

Fische

Seltenheit

Common

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Snaps

Mach den ersten Snap!

Interessante Fakten

Despite their small size, they will fearlessly leap out of the water to snatch low-flying midges and mosquitoes right out of the air.

During the spring spawning run, schools of hundreds of these fish gather in shallow gravel beds, turning the water into a shimmering flurry of red and gold.

They are highly sensitive to water quality, making them excellent bioindicators for the ecological health of mountain streams.

Besondere Fähigkeiten

During the breeding season, males undergo a dramatic physiological change, producing intense red pigments to attract mates and signal dominance.

Capable of thriving in highly variable freshwater conditions, ranging from cold alpine streams to slightly alkaline desert sink lakes.

They utilize rapid, synchronized group movements to confuse predators and increase foraging efficiency in open water.

Maße und Details

Länge: 6-15 cm
Gewicht: 0.01-0.05 kg
Lebenserwartung: 3-5 Jahre
Gelegegröße: 500-3000
Brutzeit: 5-10 Tage

Ernährung und Fütterung

They are opportunistic feeders that forage for aquatic insects, zooplankton, and organic plant material at various depths of the water column.

Altersunterschiede: Juveniles feed almost exclusively on microscopic zooplankton, while mature adults incorporate larger aquatic and terrestrial insects into their diet.