Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) fish species and information / pictures of Plains killifish - Fundulus zebrinus

Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Fundulus zebrinus

Common Name
Plains killifish

Biology
Inhabits shallow sandy runs, pools, and backwaters of headwaters, creeks and small to medium rivers. Tolerates extremely alkaline and saline streams, and often found where few other fishes can survive. Buries headfirst in sand and orients itself with only mouth and eyes are visible. This habit may protect the fish from intense sunlight or may help avoid predators, detect potential prey, or stream desiccation. 10 cm max TL (Ref. 5723). Not a seasonal killifish. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium (Ref. 27139).

Classification

Classified By
Jordan & Gilbert, 1883
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)
Family
Topminnows and killifishes (Fundulidae)

Distribution

Region
North America
Distribution
North America: Mississippi River and Gulf Slope basins in the USA from northern central Montana to central Wyoming and south to Colorado River, Brazos River, Galveston Bay and Rio Grande drainages in Texas (Ref. 5723). Distinct from Fundulus kansae which is found in the drainages north of the Red River (Ref. 55961).
Range
46°N - 29°N

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
20 °C
Water Temperature To
25 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 7.0 - ? benthopelagic; non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.09 s.e. 0.37 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
8.0 cm
Common Length
6.9 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (12 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tmax=3)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated