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Central mudminnow (Umbra limi) — Umbridae

Central mudminnow

Umbra limi
Family: Umbridae
LC · Least Concern

The Central mudminnow (Umbra limi) is a freshwater fish of the family Umbridae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Crepuscular
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The central mudminnow is a small, hardy freshwater fish of the family Umbridae from eastern North America. It has a stocky, elongate, brown-mottled body and grows to about 14 cm. The species inhabits quiet parts of streams, swamps and other wetlands with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. It is notable for tolerating drought, low oxygen and wide temperature extremes; when oxygen is scarce it can gulp air at the surface. It feeds on aquatic insects, amphipods, isopods and snails. The species is harmless to humans and of only limited commercial importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Central mudminnow?

The Central mudminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Central mudminnow live?

The Central mudminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Central mudminnow get?

The Central mudminnow grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.

Is the Central mudminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Central mudminnow is harmless to humans.

Is the Central mudminnow edible?

Yes, the Central mudminnow is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Amerikaanse hondsvis sourced
English name
Central mudminnow verified
Scientific name
Umbra limi
Family
Umbridae
Other names
Central mudminnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Average length (cm)
8.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Crepuscular inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
4.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 Umbra

More from the family Umbridae

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