Pearl Dace

Characteristics

Pearl Dace have an elongated body and are nearly cylindrical in cross section. The terminal mouth is nearly horizontal with the upper jaw separated from the snout by a groove. A small barbel is present in the groove of the upper jaw, but is occasionally lacking. Hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a formula of 2, 5-4, 2, but this count is variable. The lateral line is usually complete with 62 to 78 scales. Coloration is dark olive on the back with lighter sides, and the belly is white. Many of the scale pockets on the sides are darkened, giving a mottled look, and a lateral band is distinct on the young, but fades in adults. Nuptial males have a rosy color below the lateral band, and females may also show some color during spawning. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins have 8 rays, while the pectoral fins have 15 or 16 rays.

Distribution

Restricted to Worth County

Foods

insect larvae and zooplankton

State Record

State Records are not documented for non-game species.

Expert Tip

None

Details

Pearl Dace was recently added to the fish faunal list in Iowa by the collections of fish in Worth County. This species is currently listed as endangered. The native range of this cyprinid is centered in the northern Great Lakes states with extensions from Nebraska into New Foundland along with scattered populations in central Canada.

The Pearl Dace lives in small creeks with gravel bottoms. Adults reach about 4-inches long. Breeding occurs in early spring.