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Eastern v. Western Blacknose Dace


6 replies to this topic

#1 sideburns24

sideburns24
  • NANFA Guest
  • Urbana OH

Posted 24 August 2020 - 07:58 PM

Just wondering if someone could help me understand the difference between Eastern and Western Blacknose Dace. I know taxonomy is a subject that is seldom universally agreed upon but wanted to know what some of the more learned members had to say. 

 

Peterson (2nd edition, 2011) has them listed as subspecies; Eastern as R. atratulus atratulus, and Western as R. a. obtusus, with coloration being the main determining factor. I am finding many other sources that are listing them as separate species, but the illustrations or pictures accompanying make it more confusing with Westerns being shown as what would pass for an Eastern according to Peterson. 

 

I am mainly interested because Blacknose Dace are one of the more common species I encounter in my local waters and are certainly not shy when I am snorkeling, so I see them a lot!

 

I would also love if anyone could point me to any articles they know of about this topic!



#2 JasonL

JasonL
  • NANFA Member
  • Kentucky

Posted 25 August 2020 - 08:03 PM

We have the western variety here in KY.  I don’t think there is any reliable way to tell them apart other than genetic studies and location.  



#3 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 25 August 2020 - 09:08 PM

Yours are western in Ohio.


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#4 sideburns24

sideburns24
  • NANFA Guest
  • Urbana OH

Posted 26 August 2020 - 05:00 PM

So the deciding factor at this point is geography?



#5 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 26 August 2020 - 08:15 PM

Not only geography. There are differences between western and eastern. For practical purposes though, geography is often the most important factor for field collections. Michael Wolfe always says "Know where your feet are".


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#6 JasonL

JasonL
  • NANFA Member
  • Kentucky

Posted 26 August 2020 - 08:19 PM

Yeah pretty much.  



#7 dac343

dac343
  • NANFA Member

Posted 21 September 2020 - 11:09 AM

In case anybody was interested in the Molecular Phylogenetics

Attached Files


David Cravens



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