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Lined topminnow (Fundulus lineolatus) — Fundulidae

Lined topminnow

Fundulus lineolatus
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Lined topminnow (Fundulus lineolatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The lined topminnow is a small surface killifish from the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States, ranging from southern Virginia to Florida. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender body with an upturned mouth for surface feeding; males bear dark vertical bars, females horizontal lines. It lives in swamps, vegetated standing waters and quiet pools and backwaters of streams, and feeds on insects and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lined topminnow?

The Lined topminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Lined topminnow live?

The Lined topminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Lined topminnow get?

The Lined topminnow grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Lined topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Lined topminnow is harmless to humans.

Is the Lined topminnow edible?

The Lined topminnow is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gelijnde killivis verified
English name
Lined topminnow verified
Scientific name
Fundulus lineolatus
Family
Fundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.4 verified
Average length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Fundulus

More from the family Fundulidae

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