Northern studfish (Fundulus catenatus)

Scientific name: Fundulus catenatus Storer, 1846

The Northern studfish (Fundulus catenatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 15–25°C (59–77°F).

Northern studfish care at a glance

Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)

Biology

Inhabits margins, pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers. Most commonly found in shallow sandy backwaters of clean rocky creeks. 18 cm max TL. Adult feeds on aquatic insect larvae and snails. Not a seasonal killifish. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Fundulus catenatus
Family: Fundulidae (Topminnows and killifishes)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Common length: 16.5
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: USA: upper East Fork White River system in Indiana; upper Salt and Kentucky River drainages in Kentucky; upper Green, middle and lower Cumberland, and Tennessee River drainages; west of Mississippi River; southwestern Mississippi in Mississippi and Gulf Slope drainages.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)