European dace
Quick Summary
The European dace (Leuciscus leuciscus) is a small, slim, active freshwater fish belonging to the carp family, Cyprinidae. Typically found in moderately swift streams and rivers, it is a silvery fish that usually reaches lengths of 25–30 cm (10–12 inches). Dace live in schools and consume both plant and animal matter. While not highly valued as food, they are sought after by sport fishermen due to their shy nature, making them challenging to catch. In North America, the name "dace" is applied to various small cyprinid fishes, such as the redbelly dace, known for the bright red coloring males develop during the spring breeding season.1
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