Species profile
Speckled Dace
Rhinichthys osculus
Identify Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 1,039 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Oregon, Arizona, and Utah the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under SARA — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- The speckled dace is the most widespread native minnow in western North America.
- It has adapted to habitats ranging from cold alpine streams to warm, isolated desert springs.
- Its appearance varies so dramatically across its range that scientists once described dozens of separate species.
- Rarely exceeding 3 inches, it is nonetheless a critical prey item for trout and other predators.
- Isolated desert spring populations have evolved distinct traits over thousands of years of separation.
Where Speckled Dace are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Speckled Dace
Protected status
- SARA Schedule 1 (endangered): Speckled Dace. Canadian populations — harm/harvest prohibited under SARA s.32-33.
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), also known as the spotted dace and the carpita pinta, is a member of the minnow family. It is found in temperate freshwater in North America, from Sonora, Mexico to British Columbia, Canada.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Speckled Dace article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Speckled Dace?
Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Speckled Dace?
Speckled Dace is Rhinichthys osculus.
Is Speckled Dace regulated for fishing?
Yes — Speckled Dace has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Speckled Dace?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Speckled Dace along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.