Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) fish species and information / pictures of Plains killifish - Fundulus zebrinus

Plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Fundulus zebrinus

Common Name
Plains killifish

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 (Ref. 5723). Not a seasonal killifish. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium (Ref. 27139).

Classification

Classified By

Jordan & Gilbert, 1883

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)

Family

Topminnows and killifishes (Fundulidae)

Distribution

Region

North America

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 (Ref. 5723). Distinct from Fundulus kansae which is found in the drainages north of the Red River (Ref. 55961).

Range

46°N - 29°N

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

20 °C

Water Temperature To

25 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 7.0 - ? benthopelagic; non-migratory

Trophic Level

3.09 s.e. 0.37 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

8.0 cm

Common Length

6.9 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (12 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tmax=3)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated