Photo courtesy of Konrad Schmidt Banded Killifish - Common name
Fundulus diaphanus - Scientific name Family - Fundulidae
(topminnows) Status :SE, S1, G5 IDENTIFICATION: The banded
killifish is a small (2-3 inches, 50-75 mm) fish with a brown to
olive green back, silver or yellow silver sides, and a yellowish
belly. Its sides have 12-20 green-brown vertical bars. It has a
protruding lower jaw and a mouth that is well-developed for
surface feeding. Its tail fin is rounded and not forked. SIMILAR
SPECIES FOUND IN SOUTH DAKOTA: The central mudminnow and plains
topminnow are similar species found in eastern South Dakota. The
central mudminnow is a darker color (olive-brown to brownish-
black) and does not have an upward protruding lower jaw. The
vertical bars of the mudminnow are irregular. The plains
topminnow typically has a bluish-green color and does not have
vertical stripes along its side or at the base of its tail.
HABITS AND HABITAT: Habitat for the banded killifish ranges from
quiet waters of lakes and pon