Rhinichthys cataractae
Status
Native to Newfoundland.
Habitat
Rubble and gravel riffles (sometimes runs and pools) of fast creeks and small- to medium-sized rivers, and rocky shores of lakes.
Range
One of the widest ranging minnows; it occurs from coast to coast in Canada and extends to northern Mexico.
Food
A benthic (bottom feeder). Its typical diet consists of blackfly larvae, midge larvae, and mayfly larvae.
Appearance
Olive brown to dark red or purple above, silver to yellow below; long fleshy snout; and a forked tail.
Breeding Biology
Spawning usually occurs in May, June or early July. Ripe females have been sampled when water temperatures were at 11.7oC. Spawning occurs in riffles over gravelly bottoms, and probably near Lake Chub spawning habitat, because hybrids have been reported.
It is believed Long-nosed Dace do not build a nest, but one parent does defend a territory. Females can lay between 200 to 1,200 eggs. Young absorb their yolk sac about seven days after hatching. Young are pelagic (live in the sea) and inhabit quiet waters.