Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri

703-324-5500
TTY 711

12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 449, Fairfax, Va 22035

Shannon Curtis,
Chief, Watershed Assessment Branch

Killifishes - Family Fundulidae

Much Longer Than Tall
Much Longer Than Tall
One Dorsal Fin
One Dorsal Fin
Forward/Upward Facing Mouth
Forward/Upward Facing Mouth

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BANDED KILLIFISH - Fundulus diaphanous

BANDED KILLIFISH

BANDED KILLIFISH - Fundulus diaphanous

Scientific Name: Fundulus diaphanous
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3 inches, rarely larger
Diet: Midge larvae and microcrustaceans
Distribution sampling sites: Map

The banded killifish favors slow moving streams and tidal areas. With its tendency to swim just below the surface of the water and its lack of dorsal spines, it has become one of the northern snakehead’s favorite prey.

 

MUMMICHOG - Fundulus heteroclitus

MUMMICHOG

MUMMICHOG - Fundulus heteroclitus

Scientific Name: Fundulus heteroclitus
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 3 inches, rarely larger
Diet: Probably similar to the banded killifish diet of midge larvae and microcrustaceans
Distribution sampling sites: Map

The mummichog is a species of killifish that mainly lives in estuaries with a small number of freshwater populations. The name mummichog is derived from an Indian term meaning “going in crowds.” This refers to its propensity of travelling in large schools.


References
Jenkins, R. E., N. M. Burkhead, 1994, Freshwater Fishes of Virginia,1079 pgs., American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD

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