Redside Dace - Clinostomus elongatus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) is a species of ray-finned fish in the Cyprinidae family, native to parts of the United States and Canada. This small, brightly coloured minnow is unique among its kind, as it is the only minnow species known to regularly feed on flying insects by leaping out of the water.
When selecting tankmates for the Redside Dace, it's important to choose species with similar environmental requirements and temperaments. Compatible companions include other small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in cooler, well-oxygenated waters. Species such as certain types of shiners, dace, or small darters can coexist harmoniously. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food or pose a predatory threat. Additionally, maintaining a group of Redside Dace is beneficial, as they are naturally shoaling fish and exhibit more natural behaviours when kept in groups.
Replicating the Redside Dace's natural habitat in an aquarium setting is crucial for its well-being. A tank of at least 140 litres is recommended to provide ample swimming space. Maintaining water temperatures below 24°C (75°F) is essential, as this species fares poorly in warmer conditions. The aquarium should include clean, rocky substrates and be well-oxygenated, mimicking the clear, spring-fed streams they naturally inhabit. Incorporating overhanging vegetation or structures can offer necessary cover and simulate their natural environment. Additionally, ensuring the water is clear and free from pollutants is vital, as they are sensitive to water quality. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the aquarium will help ensure a healthy environment for Redside Dace in captivity.
The Redside Dace displays vibrant colouration, marked by a broad red stripe running from the head to the dorsal fin along the body's midline and a bright yellow stripe extending from head to tail. This colouration is most vivid in spring, gradually diminishing through late summer and fall. Distinguishing it from other cyprinids, the Redside Dace has a notably large mouth and protruding lower jaw, an adaptation that enhances its ability to capture prey from below.
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Sexual Dimorphism
The Redside Dace exhibits notable sexual dimorphism, especially during the breeding season. Males develop intensely vibrant colouration, with the red stripe along their sides becoming more pronounced and vivid to attract females. This enhanced pigmentation serves as a visual cue signalling reproductive readiness. While displaying the characteristic red and yellow stripes, females tend to have more subdued colours than males. Additionally, females may exhibit a slightly fuller body shape when carrying eggs. Outside the breeding season, these differences become less distinct, but males generally maintain brighter hues than females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Clinostomus elongatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1840 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Clinostomus |
| Origins | Canada United States |
| Approx Max Size | 12 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 4 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 4 - 12 |
| ℉ | 55 - 65 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 13 - 18 |
Natural Habitat
The Redside Dace is most abundant in Pennsylvania, particularly within the upper sections of the Susquehanna River drainage. This species is also found in streams throughout the Great Lakes, the Ohio River, and the upper Mississippi River drainage systems. In Canada, the distribution of Redside Dace is confined mainly to Southern Ontario, except for a population in the Two Tree River on St. Joseph Island. Most populations are located in streams flowing into the western portion of Lake Ontario, from Pringle Creek near Oshawa to Spencer Creek near Hamilton, Ontario.
Smaller populations are also present in the drainages of Lake Simcoe, Lake Erie, Berczy Creek in Markham, and Lake Huron. Recognized as a Species at Risk (SAR) in Canada, the Redside Dace is afforded special protection to ensure its conservation. The Redside Dace prefers slow-moving, cool, clear headwaters within river systems characterized by abundant overhanging riparian vegetation, particularly grasses, forbs, and low shrubs. Ideal streams feature a series of riffles essential for spawning and pools that serve as habitats outside of the breeding season.
Breeding
The Redside Dace exhibits distinct breeding behaviours closely tied to its habitat. Spawning typically occurs in late spring, from mid-May to early June, when water temperatures are favourable. During this period, males migrate from overwintering pools to shallow riffles and gravel bars, often utilizing nests created by other species, such as the Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), for spawning. This association with host nests provides a suitable egg deposition and development environment. The species reaches sexual maturity at approximately two years of age, with a lifespan generally not exceeding four years. These breeding habits underscore the importance of specific habitat features, such as clean gravel substrates and appropriate water flow, for successfully reproducing the Redside Dace.
Diet & Feeding
The Redside Dace exhibits a distinctive feeding behaviour among minnows, primarily consuming terrestrial insects. This species is known for leaping several centimetres out of the water in order to capture flying insects, a behaviour facilitated by its large, upturned mouth adapted for surface feeding. Studies have shown that terrestrial insects, especially adult flies (Diptera), constitute a significant portion of their diet.
Redside Dace requires a varied diet to replicate their natural feeding habits in an aquarium setting. Their diet should include a high proportion of live or frozen insect-based foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp, which mimic the terrestrial insects they consume in the wild. Occasional offerings of small live insects, like fruit flies, can encourage their natural hunting behaviour and provide enrichment.
Since they are surface feeders, floating foods or live insects released at the water's surface will best replicate their natural feeding style. It is essential to avoid sinking foods or foods high in carbohydrates, as these do not align with their dietary needs. Additionally, having vegetation or cover over the aquarium will help stimulate their natural foraging instincts and improve their feeding response.
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Published: 04 Nov 2024
Last Updated: 05 Nov 2024