Habitat and Geography
The geographical location of the pearl dace ranges
from all the providences of Canada to the northern United States
(Stauffer, 2001; Werner, 2004).
However, the species Margariscus margarita is only found in
the Allegheny region of this distribution, from Virginia to Vermont
(Fuller & Nico, 2013; Goldstein, Harper, &
Edwards, 2000;
Stauffer, 2001).
Click Here for an interactive point distribution map of Margariscus margarita
Because the
Margariscus margarita species are minnow fish, they live in
areas that accommodate their small size, away from most large
predatory fish (Cunningham,
2006). This
bottom-dwelling species is usually found over sand or gravel in
aqueous habitats such as spring-fed creeks, ponds, small lakes, and
streams (Goldstein, Harper, & Edwards, 2000;
Lawrence, Burr, & Beckham, 2011; Werner, 2004; Whittier, Halliwell,
& Daniels, 2000; Stauffer, 2001). Margariscus
margarita seem to prefer clear and cold water around 16°C
(Cunningham, 2006; Goldstein, Harper, & Edwards, 2000; Stauffer, 2001). A clear
water habitat is important for this species, as they depend on their
sight to eat (Cunningham,
2006). Another important aspect to the habitat of Margariscus
margarita are beaver dams, in which they rely for hydrological
purposes (Cunningham, 2006)