Eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea)

Scientific name: Umbra pygmaea DeKay, 1842

The Eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea) is a freshwater fish of the family Umbridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 4–23°C (39–73°F).

Eastern mudminnow care at a glance

Temperature: 4–23°C (39–73°F)

Biology

Inhabits quiet streams, sloughs, swamps and other wetlands over sand, mud and debris, often among dense vegetation. Juveniles also found among aquatic vegetation, often forming schools of 10-12 individuals. An introduced species in Europe which usually occurs in small isolated ponds and peat bogs. Oviparous, larvae remain in algal nest for about 6 days. Spawning takes place in April and May. Feeds on insect larvae, worms, mollusks, crustaceans alevins.Experimental studies show that this species can tolerate acidic environment, particularly, at ph values ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 where no mortality or significant changes in blood plasma osmolarity and haematocrit was observed.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Umbra pygmaea
Family: Umbridae (Mudminnows)
Order: Esociformes (Pikes and Mudminnows)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 11.5
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 3 - 8 demersal; non-migratory
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: Atlantic and Gulf slopes from southeastern New York (including Long Island) to St.Johns River drainage in Florida and west to Aucilla River drainage in Florida and Georgia, USA. Introduced (but very localized) to central and western Europe.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1.5-2; Ave. Fec=342)