Mummichog

Fundulus heteroclitus

The mummichog is a small killifish native to the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, with introduced populations in parts of Europe. It is a hardy species, capable of surviving in a wide range of environmental conditions, including varying salinity and temperature. Typically, these fish are olive-brown or olive-green, with males displaying more intense colors during the breeding season. They can be distinguished from similar species like the banded killifish by their thin, light bars on a darker body and a small eyespot near the dorsal fin in males. Mummichogs are commonly found in coastal habitats such as salt marshes, brackish estuaries, and tidal creeks. They are primarily benthopelagic and non-migratory, occupying depths mostly shallower than 10 meters. Their diet is diverse, consisting of diatoms, crustaceans, mollusks, fish eggs, and insect larvae. Mummichogs spawn from spring through fall, with southern populations capable of multiple spawnings per season. Divers may encounter mummichogs in dense shoals, often in shallow, muddy-bottomed areas. They are known for their resilience and adaptability, making them a common sight in their native habitats. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.