The Gila dace is easily distinguishable from other minnows by the lack of dark spots normally located on the triangular dorsal fin.

This fish is typically silvery gray dorsally and olive ventrally, with the absence of gold speckles found on its relative, the Yaqui longfin dace.

They also prefer brooks and streams that have sandy or gravely bottoms, typically with overhanging banks to protect them from being spotted by predators and humans.

This represents the bulk of the range and overall distribution of the fish, with increasing populations around mountainous areas of the Mogollon Rim.

Gila longfin daces usually spawn during the months of September to December, and can extend this into January in desert habitats.