Phoxininae

Phoxininae is a subfamily of cyprinid fish. This subfamily is part of the larger family Cyprinidae, which is one of the most diverse families of freshwater fish. The members of Phoxininae are generally small to medium-sized fish. They are typically found in freshwater environments across North America and Eurasia.

The common name for many species within this subfamily is dace or minnow, though these terms are also applied to fish in other subfamilies of Cyprinidae. Key characteristics often include a single dorsal fin, a forked tail fin, and typically small scales. Their diets are varied, often including insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.

Notable genera within Phoxininae include Phoxinus, which is widespread in Europe and Asia, and Chrosomus, found in North America. Species within Phoxininae play important roles in their aquatic ecosystems, serving as prey for larger fish and birds, and contributing to nutrient cycling. They are also of interest to anglers and are sometimes kept as aquarium fish. The taxonomy and classification of this subfamily are subject to ongoing research, with some species being reclassified over time as new genetic and morphological data become available.