Kingdom Animalia Class Actinopterygii Family Fundulidae Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Cyprinodontiformes Genus Fundulus | |
Similar Fundulus dispar, Stippled studfish, Lined topminnow, Whiteline topminnow, Waccamaw killifish | ||
Fundulus nottii, bayou topminnow or southern starhead topminnow, is a fish of the family Fundulidae [1] found in the southeastern United States.
Contents
Description
It is a small topminnow with a sub-ocular teardrop, a terminal to superior mouth, and a rounded caudal fin. The top of the head is flat, with the large scale (located just anterior to a line between the eyes) overlapped by the pair of scales just behind it. The lateral line is absent, and there are 11 preoperculomandibular pores. The sensory pores are fused. There are 7-8 dorsal rays, 9-10 anal rays, 11-12 pectoral rays, and 6 pelvic rays. During the breeding season males develop prickly contact organs on the anal fin. The Largest reported specimen was 65mm (2.6in) long. They are sexually dimorphic. Both sexes have a back that is olive green with a thin dorsal stripe, sides that are white or silver with an iridescent blue or silvery overlay, and a dark, iridescent blue-green suborbital teardrop. Males have vertical black bars and irregular horizontal rows of red-brown spots. Females have horizontal flank stripes. Fins have a reddish-brown color.
Diet
Although not much is known about its biology, the bayou topminnow is presumed to feed near the surface, where it consumes drifting organic matter, insects, and other animals associated with the water surface.
Habitat
Bayou topminnows occur in and around shoreline vegetation of clear lakes and ponds, backwaters, and overflow pools of large rivers.
Reproduction and life cycle
As with other topminnows, this species presumably has a spawning season that peaks in May or June, more protracted seasons may occur in some areas. Larvae of this species has not yet been described.
Distribution
The bayou topminnow is found from the Brazos River drainages in Texas east through the Gulf Coastal Plain and the Mobile Basin.
Etymology
Fundulus meaning “bottom”. Nottii is in honor of Dr. Josiah Clark Nott, physician, friend of Louis Agassiz, and the discoverer of the species.