Longfin dace

 ( Pogonichthyinae ) 

The longfin dace ( Agosia chrysogaster) is a species of freshwater fish in the Leuciscidae family of order Cypriniformes. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Agosia and is found in southwestern North America. The Gila longfin dace is considered the nominate subspecies, and the Yaqui longfin dace is considered a form. The genus name Agosia is of Native American origin, and the species name chrysogaster is derived from Greek language, where chrysós means "gold" and gastḗr means "belly".

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Description Longfin dace have a bluntly shaped snout and head with a slightly subterminal mouth. The upper jaw contains a small barbel and tends to protrude above the lower jaw.

(2025). 9780816527991, University of Arizona Press. ISBN 9780816527991

The body is fusiform and covered with small scales. Longfin dace have 70-95 scales along their lateral line, 7-9 anal fin rays, and 9 dorsal fin rays. An adult longfin dace has a maximum total length of , although it rarely reaches . Age estimation with scales and length-based grouping suggested that most longfin dace live less than two years.Winther, John Kristian. "Age and Growth of the Longfin Dace, Agosia Chrysogaster Girard." /ref>

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Distribution and habitat

Longfin dace are Native species to the deserts of southwestern North America, notably in the United States states of Arizona and New Mexico and northern Mexico states of Sinaloa and Sonora.

(2025). 9780547242064, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780547242064

The longfin dace is tolerant to a wide range of water temperature, and is found in low elevation desert streams to mountain brooks. They prefer streams that have sandy or gravel bottoms, typically with overhanging banks or cover to use as protection. During periods of drought, longfin dace may seek refuge in algae and detritus mats.Minckley, W.L. and W.E. Barber. 1971. Some aspects of biology of the longfin dace, a cyprinid fish characteristic of streams in the Sonoran Desert. Southwest Naturalist 15(4): 459-564.

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Diet

Longfin dace are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They can feed on invertebrates, zooplankton, algae, and detritus.Grimm, N. B. 1988. Feeding dynamics, nitrogen budgets, and ecosystem role of a desert stream omnivore, Agosia chrysogaster (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes (21): 143-152.

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Reproduction

Longfin dace reach sexual maturity within a year and are able to spawn throughout the year, although most spawning occurs in spring and late summer. Longfin dace will create depressions in the sand to deposit their eggs, which provide cover from predators while the eggs develop and hatch. The eggs and juveniles receive no parental care.

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Management

In the United States, longfin dace are considered secure but have been reduced in abundance due to habitat change and Invasive species fishes.

Categories: Pogonichthyinae, Fish Of North America, Fish Described In 1856, Taxa Named By Charles Frédéric Girard, Cyprinid Fish Of North America, Endemic Fish Of The United States, Fish Of The Western United States, Freshwater Fish Of The United States, Fauna Of The Southwestern United States

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