Home · Fundulidae · Bluefin killifish
Bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) — Fundulidae

Bluefin killifish

Lucania goodei
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

Description

The bluefin killifish is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Fundulidae from the south-eastern United States. The species grows to only about 6 cm; males are handsomely coloured with blue and red tints in the fins and a dark lateral stripe. It inhabits heavily vegetated ditches, ponds, lakes and the backwaters of streams, and is often common near clear springs. As a small omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and algae. The bluefin killifish is popular in the aquarium for its colour and peaceful nature. Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluefin killifish?

The Bluefin killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Bluefin killifish live?

The Bluefin killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bluefin killifish get?

The Bluefin killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Bluefin killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluefin killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bluefin killifish edible?

The Bluefin killifish is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwvin-killivis sourced
English name
Bluefin killifish verified
Scientific name
Lucania goodei
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Bluefin killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Average length (cm)
2.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes 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
Freshwater 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
levensduur_max_jaar
2.0 verified

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 Lucania

More from the family Fundulidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →