Northern pearl dace

📖 Overview

Northern pearl dace (Margariscus nachtriebi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cyprinidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 16 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal soft rays: 8. Margariscus nachtriebi can be distinguished by the possession of the following characters: usually complete lateral line; 60-75 small lateral scales; short head; fairly deep caudal peduncle; flaplike barbel in groove above mouth (often missing on 1 or both side); almost cylindrical body; rounded snout; small, slightly subterminal mouth (seldom reaching front of eye); origin of dorsal fin behind origin of pelvic fin; 8 dorsal rays; 8 anal rays; and pharyngeal teeth 2,5-4,2. Body dark olive gray above, often with black herringbone lines, dark stripe along back; many small black and brown specks (absent in western populations) on silver side; white, yellow or red below; black stripe along side, black caudal spot on young; stripe vague on adult. Breeding male has bright orange-red lower side, pale yellow stripe along belly and many small tubercles on head .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Northern pearl dace is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate North America: Atlantic, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, and Mississippi River basins in south Canada and north USA from Atlantic Coast to south Northwest Territories, east British Columbia, and Montana; south to New York, Wisconsin and Iowa.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Northern pearl dace.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute