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

Mudminnows - Family Umbridae

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

EASTERN MUDMINNOW

EASTERN MUDMINNOW - Umbra pygmaea

Scientific Name: Umbra pygmaea
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 4 inches, rarely larger
Diet: Midge larvae and small crustaceans
Distribution sampling sites: Map

The eastern mudminnow is a nocturnal fish that feeds at night and hides during the day. This fish has the ability to bury itself in mud to survive droughts.


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

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