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

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).

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.

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