Starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar)

Scientific name: Fundulus dispar Agassiz, 1854

The Starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Native range: North America, occurs only in the USA from the southern Great Lakes to eastern Texas and southern Alabama.

Starhead topminnow care at a glance

Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)

Biology

Occurs in vegetated standing water bodies and quiet pools and backwaters of streams. Maximum length 7.8 cm TL. Feeds on terrestrial insects, snails, small crustaceans, and some algae. Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Fundulus dispar
Family: Fundulidae (Topminnows and killifishes)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 6.0
Common length: 4.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: occurs only in the USA from the southern Great Lakes to eastern Texas and southern Alabama.
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.)