Where Does Southern Redbelly Dace Live?

Southern Redbelly Dace lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Southern Redbelly Dace

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow waters, often less than 1 meter (3 feet).

Environment

Prefers clear, cool, small to medium-sized headwater streams, creeks, and small rivers with moderate to high gradients. They are often found in areas with gravel or rocky substrates, abundant aquatic vegetation, and undercut banks or woody debris for cover. They tolerate a range of flow conditions but generally avoid strong currents in main channels, preferring quieter pools and runs.

Geographic range

Widely distributed across the central and eastern United States, primarily in the Mississippi River basin and Great Lakes drainage. Its range extends from New York west to Minnesota and south to Oklahoma and Alabama. Specific distribution varies by state, but it is generally found in the Appalachian foothills and central lowlands.

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