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Longnose killifish (Fundulus similis) — Fundulidae

Longnose killifish

Fundulus similis
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Longnose killifish (Fundulus similis) is a saltwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The longnose killifish is a killifish (family Fundulidae) of the south-eastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico. The species reaches about 12 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a fairly pointed snout and vertical bars. It is often found around mangroves and on tidal flats with sparse, short vegetation. Unlike many killifish it is not a seasonal species, and it is considered difficult to keep in an aquarium. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. The species is harmless to humans and is used mainly as a bait fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longnose killifish?

The Longnose killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Longnose killifish live?

The Longnose killifish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Longnose killifish get?

The Longnose killifish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Longnose killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Longnose killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Longnose killifish edible?

The Longnose killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langneus-killivis sourced
English name
Longnose killifish verified
Scientific name
Fundulus similis
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Longnose killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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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