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Pygmy killifish (Leptolucania ommata) — Fundulidae

Pygmy killifish

Leptolucania ommata
Family: Fundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pygmy killifish (Leptolucania ommata) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The pygmy killifish is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Fundulidae) from the southeastern United States. The species is very small and translucent yellowish, with a round spot on the tail base in the female. It inhabits the upper water layers of swamps, vegetated standing waters and quiet parts of streams. It feeds on small zooplankton, mosquito larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pygmy killifish?

The Pygmy killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Pygmy killifish live?

The Pygmy killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Pygmy killifish get?

The Pygmy killifish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm. On average the species is around 2 cm.

Is the Pygmy killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pygmy killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Pygmy killifish edible?

The Pygmy killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwergkilli sourced
English name
Pygmy killifish verified
Scientific name
Leptolucania ommata
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Pygmy killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Average length (cm)
2.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
2.0 verified

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

More from the family Fundulidae

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