Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern plains killifish (Fundulus kansae) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The northern plains killifish is a small killifish from fresh and slightly saline water of the Great Plains in the central United States. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with narrow dark cross-bars. It is remarkably salt-tolerant and lives in rivers, streams and saline pools, often in harsh, turbid waters. It feeds on insect larvae, small zooplankton and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern plains killifish?
The Northern plains killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Narrow dark vertical bars; salt-tolerant small plains killifish
Where does the Northern plains killifish live?
The Northern plains killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central United States
How big does the Northern plains killifish get?
The Northern plains killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Northern plains killifish dangerous to humans?
No, the Northern plains killifish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Northern plains killifish edible?
The Northern plains killifish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fundulus
More from the family Fundulidae
Want the complete picture on the Northern plains killifish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern plains killifish is one of 12,519 species in the app.