ExploreFish

Dace

Leuciscus leuciscus

Dace are sleek fish that like to dart around in the water. They are fast swimmers and enjoy hanging out in groups.

Habitat: Rivers and streams

Appearance

The Dace has a slender, torpedo-shaped body, typically sporting a drab olive-brown back and silvery sides. A distinct dark stripe often runs along its body, helping it blend into its streambed habitat. Its small mouth is usually located underneath its snout.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderCypriniformesFamilyLeuciscidaeGenusRhinichthys

Dace

Interesting facts

A group of Dace is often called a 'school' or 'shoal' as they swim together.

Dace are like tiny underwater gardeners, often munching on algae that grows on rocks.

Some Dace species build tiny pebble nests on the riverbed for their eggs!

They can sometimes change their skin color slightly to match the riverbed perfectly!

Special abilities

Dace has a streamlined body and strong fins that help them hold their position in fast-flowing river currents.

Dace can detect tiny water movements because of their lateral line, helping them find food or avoid danger.

Dace has dappled colors that help them blend with rocky riverbeds to hide from hungry predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 7-15 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.05 kg
Lifespan: 3-7 years
Swim Speed: 10 km/h
Max Depth: 2 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Dace enjoy a varied diet of tiny insects, larvae, and plant matter found in the water.

Primary Foods

insect larvae
small crustaceans
algae
detritus

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Kingfishers dive swiftly to catch Dace.

hunts

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Larger trout frequently prey on smaller Dace.

eaten by

Mayfly Nymph

Ephemera danica

Dace forage for mayfly larvae on riverbeds.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!