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Bayou killifish (Fundulus pulvereus) — Fundulidae

Bayou killifish

Fundulus pulvereus
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bayou killifish (Fundulus pulvereus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bayou killifish is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Fundulidae from the Gulf coast of North America. The species grows to about 7 cm; males are more brightly spotted than the plainer females. As a euryhaline species it inhabits bays, brackish marshes, lagoons and the lower reaches of bayous, tolerating strongly varying salinities. As a small omnivore it feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, small crustaceans and plant matter. Killifishes often stay in groups just below the surface. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bayou killifish?

The Bayou killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bayou killifish live?

The Bayou killifish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bayou killifish get?

The Bayou killifish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Bayou killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bayou killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bayou killifish edible?

The Bayou killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bayou-killivis sourced
English name
Bayou killifish verified
Scientific name
Fundulus pulvereus
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Bayou topminnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Fundulus

More from the family Fundulidae

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