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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Rhinichthys cataractae
Rhinichthys cataractae
(Longnose Dace)
Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Rhinichthys cataractae (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1842)

Common name: Longnose Dace

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Wydoski and Whitney (1979); Smith (1985); Hubbs et al. (1991); Page and Burr (1991); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994). In his type catalogue, Gilbert (1998) recognized three subspecies: R. c. cataractae, R. c. dulcis, and R. c. smithi; he noted that considerable work still needs to be done on the taxonomy of the species.

Size: 16 cm.

Native Range: Generally distributed above 40 N from coast to coast; occurs as far north as Arctic Circle in Mackenzie River drainage; south in Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and in Rocky Mountains south into Rio Grande drainage of Texas and northern Mexico (Page and Burr 1991).

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe NS logo
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Rhinichthys cataractae are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CO199319931Colorado Headwaters
KY198520001Upper Levisa
ME201820181Maine Coastal
ND199920031Lake Sakakawea
UT195119821Strawberry
VT202020201Otter Creek
VA194519943Middle New; Roanoke; Upper Roanoke
WY197019954Blacks Fork; Upper Green; Upper Green-Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Upper Green-Slate

Table last updated 12/2/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Evidently a bait bucket release in Strawberry Reservoir in 1951 (Sigler and Miller 1963). Suspected bait bucket introduction in Wyoming (Baxter and Simon 1970) and in Kentucky (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994); possible bait bucket releases in other sites.

Status: Established in Colorado where it is abundant and widespread in the main-stem Colorado River and in transition zone riffles (Walker 1993); Tyus et al. (1982) listed it as rare in the upper Colorado River basin. An eradication program was carried out in Strawberry Reservoir, Utah (Sigler and Miller 1963), but the results of those efforts were unclear. Established an spreading in the upper Roanoke, Virginia (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Reported from Kentucky (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994).

Impact of Introduction: Longnose Dace hybridize with native speckled dace R. osculus in areas where Longnose Dace have been introduced (Sigler and Miller 1963). This hybrid has been recorded from Utah in the Provo River in 1942 and from the Strawberry Reservoir in Wasatch County in 1951 (Sigler and Miller 1963). It has also been recorded from areas where both species are native, such as, the Bear River Wyoming, Little Wood River, Idaho and Ross Fork at Fort Hall, Idaho (Sigler and Miller 1963).

Remarks: This species is sometimes used as a baitfish (Baxter and Simon 1970; Scott and Crossman 1973). Tyus et al. (1982) gave a distribution map of the this species in the upper Colorado basin.

References: (click for full references)

Powers, S.L, and P.A. Ceas. 2000. Ichthyofauna and biogeography of Russell Fork (Big Sandy River - Ohio River). Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings. 41: 1-12.

Sigler, W.F., and R.R. Miller. 1963. Fishes of Utah. Utah Department of Fish and Game, Salt Lake City, UT.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary

Author: Nico, L.

Revision Date: 8/6/2004

Peer Review Date: 8/6/2004

Citation Information:
Nico, L., 2024, Rhinichthys cataractae (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1842): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=638, Revision Date: 8/6/2004, Peer Review Date: 8/6/2004, Access Date: 12/2/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [12/2/2024].

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