Southern studfish facts for kids
The southern studfish (Fundulus stellifer) is a type of ray-finned fish that belongs to the Fundulidae family. These fish are sometimes called "tooth carps." They are naturally found in the southeastern parts of the United States.
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What the Southern Studfish Looks Like
The southern studfish is a small freshwater fish. It has a slender body and can grow to about 8 centimeters (around 3 inches) long. It has special crushing teeth that help it eat its food.
Where the Southern Studfish Lives
The southern studfish has always lived in certain parts of the southeastern United States. You can find them in the higher parts of rivers in Alabama, especially in the Alabama River system. They also live in northern Georgia, in the small streams that feed into the Chattahoochee River. You can also find them in parts of the Tennessee River and Cumberland River areas in eastern Tennessee.
Today, the southern studfish still lives in most of these places. Its population seems to be doing well. This is different from the northern studfish (Fundulus catenatus), which seems to be disappearing from some of these areas. In a few small places, like parts of Alabama, the southern studfish might have disappeared. For example, it might be gone from the Cahaba River system. Another fish, the stippled studfish (Fundulus bifax), seems to be replacing it in the Tallapoosa River system.
One reason for these changes is that more dirty water from roads runs into the rivers. This water can harm the fish's home. Also, different types of fish might be competing for the same food and places to lay their eggs.
What Southern Studfish Eat and Who Eats Them
Southern studfish have strong crushing teeth. Because of this, about 80% of their diet is made up of mollusks (like snails) and crustaceans (like small crabs). Younger southern studfish also eat small insects and other tiny creatures without backbones. As they grow older, their diet changes to include more mollusks and crustaceans.
They eat the most food right before and during the time they lay eggs. They eat the least in the fall and early winter.
Other fish that compete with the southern studfish for food and space include other small fish like the central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) and certain types of darter fish.
Larger fish eat southern studfish. These predators are usually from the Centrarchidae family (like bass) and the Percidae family (like perch).
How Their Environment Affects Them
Things in the environment that are not alive, like water temperature, how much oxygen is in the water, and how salty the water is, can affect where southern studfish live. Water temperature is very important. It affects how active the fish are and where they can lay their eggs. Both temperature and saltiness are key to where these fish can survive.
Human activities can also change their environment. When roads are built or cities grow, more runoff water can enter streams. This changes the water and the places where the fish live, making it harder for them to travel, find food, and lay eggs.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Southern studfish like to live in the edges, calm pools, and quiet backwaters of creeks and small rivers. They prefer clear water that flows steadily. The bottom of these areas is usually sand, gravel, or rock.
Male southern studfish find and protect small areas in shallow, calm water where they can lay eggs. They lay their eggs between late April and early June. These fish do not travel far to lay eggs, and they do not build nests.
Both male and female southern studfish are ready to reproduce when they are about two years old. The average size of an adult southern studfish is about 8 centimeters (3.1 inches). Most southern studfish live for just over two years.
Even though they don't travel far, their ability to move around is affected by changes to road crossings. These changes can block their paths and make it harder for them to find food and places to lay eggs.
Protecting the Southern Studfish
People are working to protect the southern studfish and other small fish in Alabama. One big effort focuses on Hatchet Creek. This project studies the creek's features, water quality, and how people use the land around it. The goal is to create plans to manage and protect these fish and their homes in the future.
See also
In Spanish: Fundulus stellifer para niños
