Desert Dace

Image from the USFWS

Desert Dace (Eremichthys acros) are a rare fish from the family Cyprinidae (minnow). They are found in several spring systems in the Soldier Meadows area of Humboldt County, Nevada and they are listed as threatened. 

An interesting fact is that the Desert Dace has the highest temperature tolerance of all minnows in western North America, occupying habitats that range from 64-104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

They are fairly small fish, growing up to roughly 2.5 inches. They are olive in color above and silvery beneath, with some mottling along their sides. They tend to feed on small invertebrates and some algae. Threats to desert dace include habitat alterations, a result from water diversions, and the introduction of non-native fishes such as goldfish, green sunfish and largemouth bass. 

Sources and to learn more:
Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Nevada's Native Fishes: 
http://dcnr.nv.gov/documents/documents/nevadas-fishes-2/ accessed 2/22/2015
USFWS: Nevada Fish and Wildlife, Desert Dace:
http://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/fish/species/desert_dace.html accessed 2/22/2015
USGS: Status of Listed Species and Recovery Plan Development, Desert Dace:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/wildlife/recoprog/states/species/eremacro.htm accesssed 2/22/2015

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