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Bayou topminnow (Fundulus nottii) — Fundulidae

Bayou topminnow

Fundulus nottii
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bayou topminnow (Fundulus nottii) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Fundulus nottii is a small topminnow of the family Fundulidae from the southeastern United States. The species has an elongate, yellow-olive body; males bear narrow dark cross-bars and a shining crown, hence the English name 'starhead'. The fish grows to only a few centimetres and has an upturned mouth with which it catches prey at the water surface. It inhabits swamps, oxbows and vegetated, quiet reaches of streams, where it feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. Unlike many killifishes this is not a seasonal killifish; the species is popular in the aquarium hobby.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bayou topminnow?

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

Where does the Bayou topminnow live?

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

How big does the Bayou topminnow get?

The Bayou topminnow grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Bayou topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Bayou topminnow is harmless to humans.

Is the Bayou topminnow edible?

The Bayou topminnow is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bayou-toponnetje sourced
English name
Bayou topminnow verified
Scientific name
Fundulus nottii
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Southern starhead topminnow verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

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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