Hey guys,


I have a question about Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae). I've never observed these fish before, but do know for a fact that they dwell in the places which I frequent. Before I attempt to keep a few, Do these hug the bottom, like darters? Or are they midwater fish, sort of like other species of minnows? The few pictures on Google and in my publications do not make their status in the water column clear enough.

I'd be nice to know how these spawn as well.

Thanks,
Lev.

Lev.,

Answers here:

http://www.nanfa.org...inichthys.shtml

Hey guys,
I have a question about Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae). I've never observed these fish before, but do know for a fact that they dwell in the places which I frequent. Before I attempt to keep a few, Do these hug the bottom, like darters? Or are they midwater fish, sort of like other species of minnows? The few pictures on Google and in my publications do not make their status in the water column clear enough.

I'd be nice to know how these spawn as well.

Thanks,
Lev.

I kept one individual a number of years ago. I liked it. It was a very good eater, dashing and darting around in true dace fashion getting its share when the food was dropped in. It ate pretty much everything, including flake.
It spent most of its time on the bottom but had no problem going anywhere to get food.
My only complaint was that it seemed a bit territorial and took over a choice spot in strong current where food was easiest to grab. It nipped any darters or suckers that came near.
If I can upgrade my river setup to a bigger tank I plan to get another one. Maybe more.
In the wild I rarely see them because they stay in fast riffles and hide under rocks. They don't seem to school like the blacknose they're often found with. I have found little ones in some tiny, incredibly high gradient brooks. Hardly more that a series of mini waterfalls tumbling down a steep rocky hill in the woods.
Very cool fish. I'm glad you reminded me of them.

Edited by mikez, 11 March 2008 - 05:53 PM.

I have one of these in my tank. It is very active and seems to go everywhere in the water column. Mine at least is definately a midwater fish. I can also attest to the aggressive side of their nature. When I first put it in the tank, it would chase and nip at any fish that got too close, even a big spotfin shiner that was over 2X its size. It didn't seem as if it was guarding territory though, as it did this anywhere in the tank, and from the moment it was added to the tank. It did seem to settle down after a couple weeks though, and I haven't seen it act that way in quite a few months now.
I agree too they are a pretty cool fish.

Edited by smilingfrog, 12 March 2008 - 01:28 AM.

I kept a pair of these for a little over a year and they did very well and liked fast water and mine did tend to stay near the bottom where the fastest flow from a powerhead was. They were not picky eaters and I really enjoyed them.

Thanks Guys.

They seem like a really nice addition to my stream tank and the next time I go collecting I'm gonna try to acquire a pair (perhaps a trio).I think they'd really be neat if they were in with the Blacknose dace they're usually associated with. (I've got those here as well)

My experience is similar to that of the others that replied. Mine orient themselves into the heavy current of the 300 gph powerhead and dart anywhere the food is. I've never witnessed nipping but maybe a little territorial tendencies. They are housed with SRBD, a suckermouth minnow and northern hogsuckers.