The saltmarsh topminnow is a smaller species of the Genus Fundulus (Gilbert 1992). This species can reach a body length of 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters). Saltmarsh topminnows are light brown with two rows of black spots on the midside of the body (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001).
Habitat & Range
The saltmarsh topminnow inhabits low-salinity salt marshes and estuaries dominated by Spartina cordgrasses from Galveston Bay, Texas, east to the extreme western portion of the Florida panhandle (Peterson et al. 2003).
Life History
The diet of the saltmarsh topminnow primarily consists of insects and a type of crustacean called amphipods (Lopez et al. 2010).
Little is known about the reproduction of the saltmarsh topminnow. It is known to breed between the months of March and August, with increased breeding during high tides. Larvae can be found in May and June, while juveniles are first found in July. A lifespan of greater than two years is rare (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration 2009, Lang 2010).
