Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus)

Scientific name: Fundulus zebrinus Jordan & Gilbert, 1883

The Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Plains killifish care at a glance

Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)

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. Not a seasonal killifish. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Fundulus zebrinus
Family: Fundulidae (Topminnows and killifishes)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.0
Common length: 6.9
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - ? benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
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. Distinct from Fundulus kansae which is found in the drainages north of the Red River.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tmax=3)