Fundulus zebrinus Jordan & Gilbert, 1883
Plains killifish
Plains killifish
Fundulus zebrinus
photo by The Native Fish Conservancy

Family:  Fundulidae (Topminnows and killifishes)
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 3 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 7, non-migratory
Distribution:  North America: Mississippi River and Gulf Slope basins in the USA from northern central Montana to central Wyoming and south to Colorado River, Brazos River, Galveston Bay and Rio Grande drainages in Texas (Ref. 5723). Distinct from Fundulus kansae which is found in the drainages north of the Red River (Ref. 55961).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits shallow sandy runs, pools, and backwaters of headwaters, creeks and small to medium rivers. Tolerates extremely alkaline and saline streams, and often found where few other fishes can survive. Buries headfirst in sand and orients itself with only mouth and eyes are visible. This habit may protect the fish from intense sunlight or may help avoid predators, detect potential prey, or stream desiccation. 10 cm max TL (Ref. 5723). Not a seasonal killifish. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium (Ref. 27139).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type locality: Rio Grande in New Mexico (Ref. 79012). Also present, and thought to be introduced, in upper Missouri River basin in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Transplanted into upper Rio Grande in New Mexico, Colorado River drainage in Utah and Arizona. Also Ref. 27139.


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