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Mountain Redbelly Dace

Fact File

Scientific Name: Chrosomus oreas

Classification: Fish, Order Cypriniformes, Family Leuciscidae

Size: Mountain Redbelly Dace typically grow to about 55mm (2.1 inches) in length

Life Span: Mountain Redbelly Dace can live for about 5 years in most of Virginia's waters

Identifying Characteristics

A single mountain red bellied dace in a container.
  • Small bodied with fine scales
  • A dark midline striped that is misaligned under the dorsal fin
  • Small blotches along the dorsum of the body
  • A small, nearly terminal mouth
  • Nuptial males exhibit vibrant red along the belly, with yellow to chartreuse fins

Leuciscidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms

An illustration naming parts of the fish - Single dorsal fin, forked tail, pelvic fin positioned under dorsal fin, and no scales on cheeks or operculum.

 

A diagram of two illustrated fish. The first, on the left, names the parts of the fish (Operculum, dorsal fin, adipose fin, caudal fin, caudal peduncle, anal fin, pelvic fin, and pectoral fin.) The second, on the right, has a horizontal and vertical arrow names the areas of the fish (Anterior, dorsal, posterior, and ventral)

Illustrations by ©Makayla Haggard – DWR

Distribution

Mountain Redbelly Dace are native to many of Virginia’s streams spanning the Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, and even into portions of the Coastal Plain ecoregions. They have been unintentionally introduced into the Holston and Big Sandy watersheds of southwest Virginia, likely a result of discarded live bait. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to stock fish into a public body of water without an authorization from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

A state map showing the habitat of the mountain redbelly dace. Native to most of Virginia from central to the west. Introduced in the deep south western parts of the state.

Diet

Mountain Redbelly Dace are trophic generalists and will feed on items that are most available in their immediate environment at that time. This means their diet can range from being dominated by algae and detritus to other organisms such as small aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Habitat

Mountain Redbelly Dace thrive in free-flowing streams with complex habitats in the form of silt-free gravel, submerged aquatic vegetation, and woody debris. They require clean water with ample amounts of dissolved oxygen, and therefor do well in medium-sized streams with moderate flows throughout a network of riffles, runs, and pools that they can utilize at various life stages.

Landscape photo of a large creek with green foliage surrounding it.

A small stream in Virginia’s piedmont where Mountain Redbelly Dace have been documented.

Reproduction

Mountain Redbelly Dace reproduce in Virginia waters from April to June. Spawning typically occurs on the gravel nest sites of mound builders such as the Bluehead Chub. Males show territorial behavior during spawning, but will often swarm a single female when they enter the nesting location. As other species are often present at these same sites, some introgression occurs due to synchronous spawning strategies.

Up close underwater photo of the Mountain Redbelly Dace.

Mountain Redbelly Dace intermixed with several Crescent Shiners atop a Chub mound. Photo by ©Dustin Branch

Last updated: March 20, 2025

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.