E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Rhinichthys umatilla (Gilbert & Evermann, 1894)
Umatilla Dace
Family: Cyprinidae

Photo of species

© Bronwen Lewis  Email the photographer   (Photo ID #18451)


Click on the map to view a larger version.
Source: Distribution map provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC
E-Fauna's interactive maps for fish are not yet available.

Species Information

A small minnow species (usually <100 mm), with an upper lip that is free from the snouth, slightly subterminal mouth; mouth horizontal; maxillary barbels are small and often hidden in the maxillary groove; caudal peduncle is moderately narrow (2.3-2.7 times into head length; dorsal and anal fins are strongly falcate, lobes of caudal fin are pointed; 9 or 10 dorsal rays and 56-72 scales along the lateral line; adults usually heavily marked with irregular dark blotches on the sides and back. For detailed description and discussion of similar species, refer to McPhail (2008).

Source: McPail, J. D. 2008. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton.

Biology

Species Biology

Inhabits rubble riffles and runs of large rivers.

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p

Distribution

BC Distribution and Notes

The Umatilla dace has only recently been recognized as a separate species. It is endemic to the Columbia River system and is thought to be the product of an early Pleistocene hybridization involving leopard and speckled dace. Very little is known about its habitat requirements. There are two forms of Umatilla dace in B.C. — one in the Columbia and Slocan rivers and the other in the Similkameen River. There are subtle differences in their morphology and some evidence of molecular differentiation. The relationship between the two forms and their habitat requirements needs study.

Source: Information provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC.
Global Distribution

North America: Columbia River drainage in British Columbia (Canada), Idaho, Washington and Oregon, USA.

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p
>

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
NativeS2RedT (Apr 2010)
BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

Additional Photo Sources

General References


Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2024-07-26 5:27:37 PM]
Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based.  E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links.  As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information.  E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.


© E-Fauna BC 2021: An initiative of the Spatial Data Lab, Department of Geography, UBC