LONGNOSE DACE

Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae)

Longnose dace are inhabitants of high gradient streams characterized by swift flowing riffles and pools with considerable currents. They are bottom dwellers feeding extensively on chironomid larvae and other aquatic insect larvae.

There are two population centers in Ohio: one in the Chagrin River and adjacent areas of Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio; the other in small high gradient tributaries of the Ohio River in Jefferson and Belmont counties in eastern Ohio. The longnose dace is a bottom dwelling species which feeds extensively on chironomid larvae.

In the Chagrin they tend to stay in the confines of the gravel, boulder, and bedrock strewn regions of the river for much of the year, however, when the summer months heat up the Longnose dace will seek refuge among the offshore waters of Lake Erie.

Threats to populations in the Ohio River tributaries are primarily the result of stripmining and acid mine drainage which has rendered many of the smaller streams devoid of fish life in this region of Ohio. The status of the Chagrin River population is uncertain as few individuals have been captured in recent years.