Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Mid-Atlantic). MUMMICHOG AND STRIPED KILLIFISH

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental impact assessment. Mummichogs and striped killifish are not commercial or sport fish; however, their distribution and abundance make them important in nearshore and estuarine food webs. These are two of three most common killifishes on the Mid-Atlantic coast; summer density of mummichogs in estuaries may be as high as six per square meter. Most members of both species attain sexual maturity and spawn during their second year. Mummichogs have a semilunar spawning periodicity during the spawning season; eggs incubate in air and are not submerged until the next spring tide after they are laid. Young mummichogs remain on the marsh for 6-8 weeks, then begin to move off with the tides, with the adults. Mummichogs and striped killifish are euryphagous predators. Both species are tolerrant of temperature and salinity fluctuations. Mummichogs are rarely taken in full seawater; striped killifish rarely, if ever, enter freshwater. Between these extremes, the habitats of the two species overlap.