The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Killifishes

Speckled Killifish, Fundulus rathbuni

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	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, about equal in size
ï¿½	Large plate-like scales on the head
ï¿½	Dark flecked or diamond-patterned body
ï¿½	Males with tubercles on fins 

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 40-70 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Pools, backwaters, and slow runs with sandy and silty substrate

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Lower Dan system of the Roanoke drainage and a Hyco River tributary

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insects and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature at age 1
ï¿½	Spawning occurs from mid-May to July 
ï¿½	Fecundity is about 300 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Special concern status in Virginia 

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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