Colorado Division of Wildlife Photo
Colorado Division of Wildlife Photo
The colorful northern and southern red belly dace are distributed primarily in streams and lakes
of eastern and northern United States and Canada.
In Colorado, northern red belly dace are
found in the South Platte River basin, whereas southern red belly dace are found in the Arkansas
River basin.
Habitat of these fishes is mostly streams and ponds that are cool, clear, and have
sand or silt substrates.
Both species were historically more widespread in foothills streams of
Colorado, but they are now restricted to just a few localities and are rare. Habitat degradation
associated with urbanization is the primary cause for their decline.
Maximum Length: 2.5" (6.5
cm).
Colorado Division of Wildlife. Riparian Areas of Colorado. Poster. Date unknown.
