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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Seminole Killifish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The Seminole Killifish is one of the largest species of Fundulus in North America (to 16 cm TL). It can be distinguished from other large species of Fundulus (e.g., Gulf killifish F. grandis, banded killifish F. diaphanus, northern studfish F. catenatus) by a combination of color patterns and fin ray counts. Seminole Killifish are metallic green in color with several horizontal rows of small black spots. Females may have 15-20 dark green bars along side (often faint).  Fin ray counts (from Page and Burr 2011) are shown in the table below.

Species	Dorsal fin rays	Anal fin rays	Lateral scales
F. seminolis	16-17	13	50-55
F. grandis	10-14	9-11	32-37
F. diaphanus	13-15	10-12	35-50
F. catenatus	12-17	13-18	30-52

 

Size: 16 cm.

Native Range: Peninsular Florida from St. Johns drainage on the Atlantic to New drainage in the Gulf, south to just below Lake Okeechobee (Page and Burr 2011).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Possible bait bucket release.

Status: Reported, but failed, in Florida. Established in South Carolina

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Voucher specimens: UF 64680 (=FSU 14680); NCSM 55436.

References: (click for full references)

Page, L.M., and B.M. Burr. 2011. Field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Peterson Field Guides series. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, MA.

Swift, C.C., C.R. Gilbert, S.A. Bortone, G.H. Burgess, and R.W. Yerger. 1986. Zoogeography of the fishes of the southeastern United States: Savannah River to Lake Pontchartrain. 213-266 in C.H. Hocutt and E.O. Wiley, eds. The zoogeography of North American freshwater fishes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Fundulus seminolis

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 1/31/2013

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.