Fin's Fish Guide
The Saltmarsh topminnow (Fundulus jenkinsi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Fundulidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Northern Gulf of Mexico; brackish salt marshes, tidal creeks and saline marshes.
Description
The saltmarsh topminnow is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Fundulidae from the northern Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with fine dark spots along the upper flank and an upward-pointing mouth, characteristic of a surface dweller. It lives in brackish salt marshes, tidal creeks and the edges of salt marshes, where it searches among the marginal vegetation for small invertebrates and insects. Unlike the seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species. Owing to habitat loss in coastal marshes the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Saltmarsh topminnow?
The Saltmarsh topminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Surface-dweller of brackish salt marshes; vulnerable due to loss of coastal marsh.
Where does the Saltmarsh topminnow live?
The Saltmarsh topminnow lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern Gulf of Mexico; brackish salt marshes, tidal creeks and saline marshes.
How big does the Saltmarsh topminnow get?
The Saltmarsh topminnow grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Saltmarsh topminnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Saltmarsh topminnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Saltmarsh topminnow edible?
The Saltmarsh topminnow is not usually eaten.
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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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Saltmarsh topminnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.