Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Mudminnows (Umbridae)

Mudminnow silhouette.

Mudminnows are a small family of the Northern Hemisphere that look similar to killifish and minnows, but are actually more closely related to pike. Mudminnows are similar to minnows in that they have abdominal pelvic fins, a single soft dorsal fin and lack spines. However, mudminnows have scales on their cheeks and opercles. They do not have the upturned, oddly-shaped mouth that is characteristic of killifishes.

One introduced species of mudminnow is found in Connecticut. The northernmost extent of a similar species, the eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea), is just over the border in southern New York State, including Long Island. However, this species has never been observed in Connecticut. Eastern mudminnows can be distinguished by thin dark horizontal stripes along their sides (as opposed to vertical bars) that are especially evident on the lower half of the body.

Click on the species name below to learn more.

Central Mudminnow (Umbra limi) - Introduced

10 cm central mudminnow.

 

Mudminnows are easy to keep in home aquariums. They readily adapt to dried food and are relatively hardy. They tend to stay near the bottom and hide behind cover.

 

Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. (2009). A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Hartford, CT. Available for purchase at the DEEP Store.