Group 6

Laurel Dace Chrosomus saylori What are Laurel Dace? Taxonomy Categorized under the Cyprinidae family, Laurel Dace are small fish endemic to the Tennessee River Basin. Their subfamily is Leuciscinae. Morphology Laurel Dace are known to reach approximately 6.2 centimeters. They are most recognized through their distinct coloring. Both males and females have a silvery body, painted with two continuous black lateral stripes and a red belly. During mating season, males experience increased pigmentation; their bellies turn intense scarlet and their stripes become rich black. Their fins also develop a yellow and orange hue. Apart from their color, the gender of Laurel Dace can be identified through the shape of their fins. Males have rounded pectoral fins and females have pectoral pointed fins. Laurel Dace (A) compared to closely related Clinch Dace (B). The only noticeable morphological difference is the intensity of pigmentation an...