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Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) — Fundulidae

Northern starhead topminnow

Fundulus dispar
Family: Fundulidae

The Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) is a freshwater fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The northern starhead topminnow is an egg-laying killifish (Fundulidae) from slow, plant-rich fresh water of the central and eastern United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body with fine rows of spots and a shiny mark on the head. It lives near the surface of swamps, ponds and bank zones and eats small insects, larvae and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Northern starhead topminnow?

The Northern starhead topminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Northern starhead topminnow live?

The Northern starhead topminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Northern starhead topminnow get?

The Northern starhead topminnow grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Northern starhead topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Northern starhead topminnow 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 starhead topminnow edible?

Yes, the Northern starhead topminnow is commonly eaten.

More photos

Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) — Fundulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Bradley Rasmussen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) — Fundulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Necrologist, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) — Fundulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Dominic, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Northern starhead topminnow (Fundulus dispar) — Fundulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) beautifulbait, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Northern starhead topminnow sourced
Scientific name
Fundulus dispar
Family
Fundulidae
Other names
Starhead topminnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. 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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