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Southern Redbelly Dace

​Southern Redbelly Dace ​
Top: breeding male; Bottom: female          Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas​
 
Identification: A small fish with two parallel black stripes along the side. Males in breeding condition are among the most colorful minnows in the state, having solid red along the underside of the body and bright yellow fins. It is similar to the federally protected Blackside Dace (Chrosomus cumberlandensis), but differs by having two lateral stripes (vs. one broad black stripe) along the side of the body. Adults grow to 3.5 in.
 
Distribution and Habitat:  Inhabits small, often spring-fed, upland creeks with cool, clear water throughout the eastern two-thirds of the state. It sometimes occurs with the Blackside Dace in the upper Cumberland River drainage (mostly above Cumberland Falls).
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