The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Killifishes

Banded Killifish, Fundulus diaphanus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Narrow, elongate body
ï¿½	Small, terminal mouth
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Teeth on jaws
ï¿½	No spines on fins
ï¿½	Slightly round tail fin
ï¿½	Dorsal fin is located over the anal fin
ï¿½	Large plate-like scales on the head
ï¿½	Narrow, dark bars on side
ï¿½	Silver cheek with blue iridescence
ï¿½	Males with tubercles on fins 

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Speckled killifish (Fundulus rathbuni)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 50-75 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Large rivers and marshes in fresh and salt water, estuaries

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Atlantic slope drainages on the coast or well inland

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Microcrustaceans, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature at age 1, short-lived
ï¿½	Spawning occurs from April to September at 21-32OC
ï¿½	Eggs adhere to objects in the water by filaments
ï¿½	Fecundity is 32-252 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Baitfish

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Banded Killifish

Lined Topminnow

Mummichog

Northern Studfish

Speckled Killifish

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