Banded Killifish

(Fundulus diaphanus)

A picture of a banded killifish
A banded killifish

This little killifish reaches a length of 2-5 inches in length.  It differs from the Mummichog (another type of killifish) by its more elongated body and by the distinctive banding that runs vertically along the body.  The Banded Killifish occurs in shallow water along the Patuxent River and in Cocktown Creek. The Banded Killifish feeds mostly on small invertebrates such as small shrimp, insects and other small creatures.  This killifish serves as food for many larger species of fish. This species is uncommon at King’s Landing, but usually occurs in a couple of surveys each season.

A graph detailing the amount of banded killifish caught from 1997-2006
A graph detailing the amount of banded killifish caught from 1997-2006