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Central Mudminnow

Umbra limi

Description:

Central mudminnows are a small unique fish that possess the ability to breath air. They do so by utilizing a modified air bladder that acts as a lung. They also can survive dry spells by burrowing into the mud until wet conditions return. Because of these unique abilities this fish is often found in places where no other fish are found. The central mudminnow is a small fish with a rounded tail. Their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are all positioned toward the rear of their body. Their body is mottled with various shades of brown and they have a dark vertical bar just in front of the base of their tail. Their belly is a dirty cream, light brown, or yellow color. Breeding males have a vivid white or blue sheen to the anal and pelvic fins. It can reach (5-7 in) long, but (2.8-3.2 in) is a more typical range. Central mudminnows spawn in early spring in late March or early April. Details of spawning are unclear but some sources suggest that both parents guard a nest site in or near vegetation. The young's diet is made up of newly hatched snails and clams, copepods, and waterfleas. The central mudminnow basically is a bottom feeder. The main foods of the adults are insect larvae, small snails and clams, and sideswimmers. Large mudminnows will occasionally take small fish.

Habitat:

Central mudminnows are found in swamps, marshes, bogs, and slow moving streams. These areas must have an abundance of aquatic vegetation and a soft bottom composed of dark organic muck and debris free of yellow clay and silt. n, with a burst of speed, shoot out and grab their prey. Central mudminnows are often found in areas where no other fish can survive because of their abilities to breath air and burrow into the mud to survive dry spells.

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keithp2012
Spotted by
keithp2012

Laurel Hollow, New York, USA

Spotted on Aug 22, 2012
Submitted on Aug 22, 2012

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