Waccamaw killifish

The Waccamaw killifish (Fundulus waccamensis) is a species of fish in the family Fundulidae. It is endemic to Lake Waccamaw, a lake in North Carolina, United States, and its tributaries.[1]

Waccamaw killifish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Family: Fundulidae
Genus: Fundulus
Species:
F. waccamensis
Binomial name
Fundulus waccamensis
C. L. Hubbs & Raney, 1946

Distribution and habitat

Reliable reports of this species' occurrence are from only a single location, Lake Waccamaw and its tributaries, in Columbus County, North Carolina. While restricted in range, the fish is common there and total population may exceed 1 million. It is found in mid-level or near-surface waters over sandy bottoms in open waters or closer to vegetation around shores, and in winter may venture into surrounding swamps and canals.[1] This species has been recorded Lake Phelps in Washington County, North Carolina where it was most likely introduced by anglers using it as bait.[2]

Conservation

While there are no known specific threats to the Waccamaw killifish, it is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN because of its restriction to a single location.[1]

References
  1. NatureServe (2012). "Fundulus waccamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T8709A18234340. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T8709A18234340.en.
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2019). "Fundulus waccamawensis" in FishBase. April 2019 version.


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