Waccamaw killifish

Waccamaw killifish
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Family: Fundulidae
Genus: Fundulus
Species:
F. waccamensis
Binomial name
Fundulus waccamensis

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]

Distribution and habitat

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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 in Lake Phelps in Washington County, North Carolina where it was most likely introduced by anglers using it as bait.[2]

Conservation

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d NatureServe (2013). "Fundulus waccamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T8709A18234340. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T8709A18234340.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Fundulus waccamawensis". FishBase. April 2019 version.