# 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.

- **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Rivers and streams

![Dace](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426576/objects/4690.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Actinopteri
- **Order:** Cypriniformes
- **Family:** Leuciscidae
- **Genus:** Rhinichthys

## 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

- **Current Keeper:** Dace has a streamlined body and strong fins that help them hold their position in fast-flowing river currents.
- **Vibration Sensor:** Dace can detect tiny water movements because of their lateral line, helping them find food or avoid danger.
- **Camouflage Cloak:** 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
- **Maximum 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/belted-kingfisher) (*Megaceryle alcyon*) — Kingfishers dive swiftly to catch Dace.
- **Hunts:** [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

## Collections

- [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Dace?

Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Dace?

7-15 cm

### How much does Dace weigh?

0.005-0.05 kg

### How long does Dace live?

3-7 years

### What does Dace eat?

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

### How fast can Dace swim?

10 km/h

### Where is Dace usually found?

Rivers and streams

### How does Dace hunt?

Foraging

## More Fish

- [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*)
- [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*)
- [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*)
- [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*)

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Source: [Dace: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dace)