Ecological Notes on a Lake-Dwelling Population of Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae)

Abstract

Longnose dace were found from early July to September in onshore waters on the east side of Hecla island in the southern basin of Lake Winnipeg. They were most abundant on rocky substrates, where they spawned in early July. It is suggested that at other times of the year these fish occupy deep channels between islands where current is present. While in onshore waters fish less than 5 g adjusted their buoyancy by altering swimbladder volume in response to presence or absence of wave action. Swimbladder volume was similar to that of river-dwelling populations of this species.