KILLIFISH FAMILY (Cyprinodontidae) 



Banded Killifish 



Fundulus diaphanus (LeSueur) 



Freshwater killifish are found along the eastern coast of United 

 States from the Maritime Provinces of Canada down to South Carolina 

 and into eastern sections of New York and Pennsylvania. Fishermen 

 usually consider them as minnows although the teeth of the killifish 

 readily distinguish them from members of the minnow family. 



Killifish are usually found in lakes in shallow water areas although 

 they may be observed in quiet rivers. They are one of the more abund- 

 ant fish in shoal areas traveling in large schools. 



Peak of their spawning season comes towards the end of July when 

 males take on a bright coloration. Schools of mature adults are easily 

 observed swimming about in shallow water usually among aquatic vege- 

 tation. There is no nest preparation or care of the young. 



The value of the killifish as a forage is limited because they rarely 

 stray into water much over a foot in depth. 



Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) are usually in salt or brackish 

 water, but may be observed in fresh water. 



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