The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Killifishes

Mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Chunky body
ï¿½	Terminal mouth
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Teeth on jaws
ï¿½	No spines on fins
ï¿½	Round tail fin
ï¿½	Dorsal fin is located over the anal fin
ï¿½	Large plate-like scales on the head
ï¿½	Faint, thick bars on side

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Spotfin killifish (Fundulus luciae)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults documented at 51-55 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Shallow areas of rivers, weeds in estuaries

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Chesapeake Bay estuaries and tidal freshwater in Atlantic drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Small mouth, so they eat small invertebrates and detritus

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Undescribed

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Important for mosquito control
ï¿½	Used in aquariums and as bait fish


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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