Mummichog
ExploreFish
Mummichog
fundulus heteroclitus
The mummichog is a small fish that swims in the shallow waters of marshes and estuaries. These colorful little fish are fun to watch as they dart around looking for food!
Habitat: Mummichogs live in coastal marshes, estuaries, and tidal flats.
Appearance
The Mummichog has a stout body, typically olive-green to brown on top with a yellowish belly. Males display dark vertical bars and bright yellow-orange fins during breeding season, setting them apart from the more uniformly blotched females.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCyprinodontiformesFamilyFundulidaeGenusFundulus
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Mummichogs lay their eggs in nests hidden within marsh grass!
Mummichogs are tough fish, often used by scientists to study pollution effects!
These fish can change their body color to blend perfectly with their surroundings!
They can briefly breathe air using their skin, if they jump out of water!
Special abilities
Ability
Temperature Warrior
Mummichogs can survive in water temperatures from near-freezing to over 38°C because of their amazing physiological adaptations.
Ability
Mud Burrower
Mummichogs can burrow into the mud when tide pools dry up or conditions are harsh, helping them escape extreme heat or drought.
Ability
Oxygen Defier
Mummichogs can live in water with very low oxygen levels because their gills are highly efficient at extracting oxygen from poor water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 7.5-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 2 m
- Water Type
- Brackish
Diet & Feeding
These small fish are omnivores, munching on tiny insects, crustaceans, and even plant bits in shallow waters.
Primary Foods
- insect larvae
- small crustaceans
- marine worms
- algae
- detritus
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Herons frequently hunt Mummichogs in shallow marsh waters.
eaten by
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Larger fish like Striped Bass prey on Mummichogs.
eats
Ocean Scud
Gammarus oceanicus
Mummichogs actively forage for small crustaceans like scuds.
eats
Midge
Chironomus plumosus
Mummichogs consume larvae of various insects, including midges.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
KillifishMarsh MummichogMudminnow
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mummichog?
7.5-15 cm
How much does Mummichog weigh?
0.005-0.03 kg
How long does Mummichog live?
2-5 years
What does Mummichog eat?
These small fish are omnivores, munching on tiny insects, crustaceans, and even plant bits in shallow waters.
How fast can Mummichog swim?
8 km/h
Where is Mummichog usually found?
Mummichogs live in coastal marshes, estuaries, and tidal flats.
How does Mummichog hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Mummichog go?
2 m
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