The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Killifishes

Lined Topminnow, Fundulus lineolatus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Narrow body
ï¿½	Small, superior mouth
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Teeth on jaws
ï¿½	No spines on fins
ï¿½	Long, rounded tail fin
ï¿½	Paired fins small
ï¿½	Dorsal fin is located over the anal fin
ï¿½	Large plate-like scales on the head
ï¿½	Dark, narrow bars horizontal or vertical on the body 
ï¿½	Black cheeks

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Southern starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 30-45 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Edges and backwaters of streams

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Chowan drainage in the Nottoway and Blackwater systems and the Dismal Swamp

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, algae, and plants 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Spawning occurs around July 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Aquarium pet
ï¿½	Brightly colored fish in the Coastal Plain

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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