Captive Care Notes: Relict Dace (Relictus, Family Cyprinidae)

The Relict Dace (Relictus solitarius) is said to be a hardy fish that lives long in the bait bucket and when thrown out on the bank (Hubbs et al., 1974). None of the specimens collected by the Hubbs party in the 1930s died during the long car journey from Nevada to Michigan. Captive care, therefore, should not be difficult. It readily accepts commercial dry trout food and cultured daphnia, taking food in mid-water as it sinks to the bottom (Vigg, 1982). However, because of its protective status, Relict Dace, as with all desert cyprinids, cannot be captured, collected, or kept in home aquaria.