Fish Active during the day

Redside Dace

Clinostomus elongatus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A vibrant 'living jewel' of our freshwater systems, the Redside Dace is famous for its acrobatic leaps and brilliant crimson colors. Spotting one is a sure sign of a healthy, pristine stream.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) in length, with a maximum size of 12 cm (4.7 inches).

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Colors

Silver-blue body with a prominent, vibrant red lateral stripe that intensifies in males during spring; a distinct yellow or gold stripe runs parallel just above the red band.

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Key Features

Exceptionally large, upturned mouth with a protruding lower jaw
Brilliant crimson-red stripe along the sides
Bright yellow-gold stripe above the red
Slender, streamlined body with small scales

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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Season May-August

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Diet Primarily insectivorous; it specializes in terrestrial insects (flies, beetles, midges) that fall onto or fly just above the water surface, supplemented by aquatic larvae.

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Habitat Cool, clear headwater streams with gravel or cobble bottoms, slow-moving pools, and significant overhanging riparian vegetation.

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Where Does the Redside Dace Live?

Native to the temperate freshwater regions of North America, the Redside Dace is primarily concentrated within the Great Lakes basin and the upper Mississippi River drainage. Its core populations are found in the northeastern United States, spanning from New York and Pennsylvania to Minnesota, with significant but fragmented populations in Southern Ontario, Canada. Because of their strict requirement for clear, cool water, they are often restricted to isolated pockets of high-quality habitat within these regions.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

2 Countries

450K km² Range

Vulnerable Conservation

US United States CA Canada

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Redside Dace is a remarkable aerialist of the stream world, known for its unique 'surface-snatching' feeding style. Unlike many other minnows that forage along the bottom, this species specialized in hunting terrestrial insects. It often hovers just below the surface, using its large, upward-turned mouth to leap several centimeters out of the water to catch flies and midges mid-air. This high-energy lifestyle requires clean, oxygen-rich water and excellent visibility.

These fish are highly social and are often found in small schools within clear pools. They are also known as 'nest associates,' a fascinating behavior where they congregate to lay their eggs in the gravel nests built by larger fish species, such as Creek Chubs. This symbiotic relationship provides the dace eggs with protection and aeration. Because they are extremely sensitive to silt and pollution, their presence is a gold-standard indicator of a healthy, pristine aquatic ecosystem.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Redside Dace requires an underwater perspective, as their vibrant colors are best viewed from the side rather than looking down through the surface ripple. Use a waterproof action camera with AI-motion detection mounted on a weighted base or a low-profile underwater tripod. Position the camera in a slow-moving pool directly beneath overhanging grass or shrubs, as this is where the fish wait for terrestrial insects to drop into the water.

To capture their famous jumping behavior, angle the camera slightly upward toward the water's surface. High frame rate settings (60 FPS or 120 FPS) are essential; the leap of a Redside Dace happens in a fraction of a second, and standard frame rates will often result in a blur. Ensure your camera is placed in an area with dappled sunlight, as the natural light will catch the iridescent yellow and red stripes, making them pop against the darker stream background.

Because these fish are sensitive to habitat changes, avoid disturbing the stream bed more than necessary. Place your camera and then retreat from the bank for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the school to settle back into their natural rhythm. The best time for filming is during the late spring spawning season (May and June) when the males are at their most colorful and are actively congregating around Creek Chub nests in shallower, gravel-bottomed areas.

If you are filming from above the water, a high-quality circular polarizer filter is mandatory to cut through surface reflections. Look for 'shiners'—the quick silver flashes of the fish turning—to identify the best spots for placement. Remember that clear water is a prerequisite for this species, so avoid filming immediately after heavy rains when the water may be turbid.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Redside Dace.

Rosyface Shiner

Smaller mouth and lacks the prominent yellow stripe above the lateral red band.

Rosyside Dace

Has a smaller mouth and is typically found in more southern drainage basins.

Creek Chub

Lacks the vibrant red and yellow stripes and has a much stockier, less streamlined build.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Redside Dace are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are most frequently seen hunting during the early morning and late afternoon when insect activity near the water surface is at its peak.

If you have a stream on your property, the best way to attract Redside Dace is by maintaining a healthy 'riparian buffer.' This means leaving natural grasses, shrubs, and trees along the bank to provide shade, cool the water, and drop the terrestrial insects they love to eat.

They are insect specialists! Their diet consists mainly of terrestrial insects like flies, midges, and beetles that fly over the water. They will also eat aquatic insect larvae found in the stream.

Unfortunately, they are becoming rare in suburban areas. Because they require very clear water and are sensitive to silt from construction and road runoff, they are often one of the first species to disappear when an area is developed.

While both have red markings, the Redside Dace has a much larger mouth with a lower jaw that sticks out. Additionally, the Redside Dace has a distinct yellow stripe above its red band, which the Rosyface Shiner lacks.

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