Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus)

Scientific name: Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus Linnaeus, 1766

The Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–24°C (50–75°F).

Mummichog care at a glance

Temperature: 10–24°C (50–75°F)

Biology

A resident intertidal species with homing behavior. Mainly found in saltwater marshes and in tidal creeks. May leave tide pools if aquatic conditions become inhospitable. Enters fresh water to limited extent. Not a seasonal killifish. Breathes air when out of water. Difficult to maintain in aquariums. Its introduction has caused the decline of native species and near extinction of Aphanius baeticus in southwestern Spain.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus
Family: Fundulidae (Topminnows and killifishes)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.0
Common length: 8.9
Environment: Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Western Atlantic: Canada to Sandy Hook, New Jersey to northeastern Florida, and in lower Chesapeake and Delaware bays. Introduced to southern Portugal and southern Spain.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries:; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm