Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in shallow, vegetated water of lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The banded killifish is a slender killifish of the family Fundulidae reaching about 13 cm. The silvery body has a flat back and an upturned mouth, a build suited to hunting just below the water surface, and bears numerous narrow, dark cross-bars along the flank (especially in the female). The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in schools in shallow, vegetated water of lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers; it tolerates brackish water. It eats insect larvae, especially mosquito larvae, zooplankton and small snails. In spring and summer the sticky, threaded eggs attach to water plants. It is an important prey fish and mosquito controller.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded killifish?
The Banded killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender little killifish with a flat back, an upturned mouth and numerous narrow, dark vertical bars across the silvery flank; a surface swimmer.
Where does the Banded killifish live?
The Banded killifish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of eastern North America, in shallow, vegetated water of lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Banded killifish get?
The Banded killifish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Banded killifish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded killifish edible?
The Banded killifish is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Fundulus
More from the family Fundulidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded killifish is one of 12,519 species in the app.