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Plains topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) — Fundulidae

Plains topminnow

Fundulus sciadicus
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Plains topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 9 cm.

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

Description

The plains topminnow is a topminnow (Fundulidae) from the central United States. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky, olive-green body with an upturned mouth, adapted to feeding at the surface. It occurs in springs and their effluents, and in quiet to flowing pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers, usually near vegetation. It feeds on insects, small crustaceans and algae. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Plains topminnow?

The Plains topminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Plains topminnow live?

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

How big does the Plains topminnow get?

The Plains topminnow grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.

Is the Plains topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Plains topminnow is harmless to humans.

Is the Plains topminnow edible?

The Plains topminnow is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Prairie-killivis sourced
English name
Plains topminnow verified
Scientific name
Fundulus sciadicus
Family
Fundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Average length (cm)
5.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No 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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