Rosyside Dace
Clinostomus funduloides
Rosyside Dace is a small southeastern U.S. minnow found in clear, cool, rocky streams. Males develop a rosy to red side stripe and bright breeding colors, especially in spring and early summer.
Identification points
- Slender cyprinid body with a faint to strong rosy-red lateral stripe in breeding males
- Small, terminal mouth with no barbels
- Clear fins and a dark back contrasting with a silvery belly
Habitat
Clear, cool, well-oxygenated headwater creeks and small mountain streams with gravel, cobble, riffles, and runs; usually near current breaks and stream margins with cover.
Bait notes
Typically not a targeted game fish. If collected or fished for by anglers, tiny flies, bread crumbs, pinches of worm, or micro jigs/soft plastics may take them, but they are best observed rather than pursued.
Behavior
A schooling insectivore that forages in the water column and at the surface for aquatic and terrestrial insects; most active in daylight and often spawns in spring over clean gravel in flowing water.
Caution
No notable human consumption issue is established, but it is a small native stream fish and may be protected or best kept for catch-and-release only; verify local regulations before collecting.
Fishing notes
Use ultra-light tackle, small hooks, and short drifts through shallow riffles and run edges; light float rigs or tiny flies work best. Handle gently and release quickly, especially in warm water.