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Dace

Dace ©Jack Perks

Dace

The silvery dace can be seen gathering in large shoals in lowland rivers and streams. It is a member of the carp family and looks very similar to the chub, but is smaller.

Scientific name

Leuciscus leuciscus

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 15-25cm
Weight: up to 1.3kg
Average Lifespan: 8-16 years
Common.

About

A small to medium-sized, lively fish, the dace is a member of the carp family. Found in rivers and streams, it often gathers in large shoals in shady areas. It is omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, fish eggs, plants and seeds. Spawning takes place in April when the females move upstream to join the males in shallow water; they produce up to 9,500 eggs.

How to identify

The dace is a slender fish, with a silvery body and brownish fins. It is more slender than the roach and smaller than the chub, with duller fins.

Distribution

Widespread in lowland England, but rarer in Wales and Scotland.

Did you know?

While typically a freshwater fish, the dace also enters brackish water.