Finescale Dace
Konrad Schmidt
Grows to 4 inches in length. Gray along top of body with olive sides above a gold stripe that runs the length of the body. White/silver belly. Entire body speckled in black.
Status in North Dakota
Resident.
Range Map
Finescale Dace historical range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Rare species. The only viable population is believed to be found in the Tongue River. Last documented in 1991.
Threats
A decrease in water quality due to a number of land use practices in the Red River basin has contributed to the decline of this species.
The addition of dams within the Red River drainage has changed the flow regime of the basin.
Impoundments also fragment habitat and blocks migration of fish species.
Research and Monitoring
- The states rivers and streams are surveyed for species on a 5-year rotating schedule.
- North Dakota DEQ staff survey rivers and streams through their Index of Biotic Integrity program.
Management Recommendations
- Continue to use the Section 404 program to ensures affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with other federal agencies not covered by 404 to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with NDSWC to develop instream flow recommendations.
- Promote incentive programs to restore riparian areas.
- Continue to work with ND 319 Task Force in prioritizing projects within impaired watersheds and implementing BMPs.
- Implement intake conditions or recommendations.
- Cooperate with NDGFD Fisheries staff on state aquatic nuisance species plans.
- Removal of dams and other barriers.
- Retrofitting dams with fish passage structures.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
The Finescale dace usually occurs in cool, boggy waters of lakes and ponds, or streams which are 1-3 meters wide and 0.1-0.5 meters deep, with substrates of sand, gravel, or silt.