A dace is a type of fish that lives in rivers and lakes. Any of various small freshwater fishes of the family Cyprinidae, which also includes carps and minnows. Any of various small, slim, active freshwater fishes of the carp family (Cyprinidae). In England and Europe, the dace (Leuciscus leuciscus), a relative of the European chub, inhabits streams and rivers. It is a small-headed, silvery fish that grows to 10-12 in. (25-30 cm) long and weighs 1-1.5 lbs (0.5-0.7 kg). It lives in schools and eats plant and animal material. It is a good bait and sport fish but is not highly valued as food. In North America, the name is applied to various small cyprinids found in creeks and bogs, mostly in the central and southern U.S