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Southern studfish (Fundulus stellifer) — Fundulidae

Southern studfish

Fundulus stellifer
Family: Fundulidae

The Southern studfish (Fundulus stellifer) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Southern studfish is a topminnow (Fundulidae) from shallow fresh and brackish water of drainages of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a flat head and an upturned mouth; spawning males often bear rows of red or blue spots. As a surface-oriented fish it swims in clear streams, pools and shoreline zones and snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Southern studfish?

The Southern studfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Southern studfish live?

The Southern studfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Southern studfish get?

The Southern studfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.

Is the Southern studfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Southern studfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuidelijke studvis sourced
English name
Southern studfish sourced
Scientific name
Fundulus stellifer
Family
Fundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Average length (cm)
7.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

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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