Lahontan Redside
ExploreFish
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.
Habitat: Typically found in cool, clear, slow-moving streams, rivers, and subalpine lakes within the Lahontan Basin.
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCypriniformesFamilyLeuciscidaeGenusRichardsonius
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Spawning Coloration Change
During the breeding season, males undergo a dramatic physiological change, producing intense red pigments to attract mates and signal dominance.
Ability
High-Altitude Osmoregulation
Capable of thriving in highly variable freshwater conditions, ranging from cold alpine streams to slightly alkaline desert sink lakes.
Ability
Coordinated Shoaling
They utilize rapid, synchronized group movements to confuse predators and increase foraging efficiency in open water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 6-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Clutch Size
- 500-3000
- Incubation
- 5-10 days
Diet & Feeding
They are opportunistic feeders that forage for aquatic insects, zooplankton, and organic plant material at various depths of the water column.
Age differences: Juveniles feed almost exclusively on microscopic zooplankton, while mature adults incorporate larger aquatic and terrestrial insects into their diet.
Primary Foods
- Aquatic insect larvae
- Zooplankton
- Algae
- Terrestrial insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi
The Lahontan Redside is a vital prey species for this large native trout.
hunts
Mayfly
Baetis tricaudatus
The Lahontan Redside feeds heavily on the larvae of this aquatic insect.
competitor
Tahoe Sucker
Catostomus tahoensis
Competes for benthic feeding territory and resources in lake shallows.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Lahontan Redside?
The easiest way to identify Lahontan Redside is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Lahontan Redside?
6-15 cm
How much does Lahontan Redside weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
How long does Lahontan Redside live?
3-5 years
What does Lahontan Redside eat?
They are opportunistic feeders that forage for aquatic insects, zooplankton, and organic plant material at various depths of the water column.
Where is Lahontan Redside usually found?
Typically found in cool, clear, slow-moving streams, rivers, and subalpine lakes within the Lahontan Basin.
How does Lahontan Redside hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Lahontan Redside lay?
500-3000
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