Home · Fundulidae · Waccamaw killifish
Waccamaw killifish (Fundulus waccamensis) — Fundulidae

Waccamaw killifish

Fundulus waccamensis
Family: Fundulidae

The Waccamaw killifish (Fundulus waccamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Waccamaw killifish is an egg-laying killifish (Fundulidae) endemic to Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina, in the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, silvery body with fine dark longitudinal lines. It lives in schools in the clear lake over sandy bottoms and eats small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant material. Through its restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Waccamaw killifish?

The Waccamaw killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Waccamaw killifish live?

The Waccamaw killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Waccamaw killifish get?

The Waccamaw killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Waccamaw killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Waccamaw killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Waccamaw killifish edible?

Yes, the Waccamaw killifish is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Waccamaw-killivis sourced
English name
Waccamaw killifish sourced
Scientific name
Fundulus waccamensis
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Waccamaw killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →