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

Pupfishes (Cyprinodontidae)

Pupfish silhouette.

The pupfishes and killifishes are very similar and were once included in the same family. Like killifishes, pupfishes are small (generally less than 4 inches) and have a small, distinctively shaped, upturned mouth; however, they are much thicker-bodied. They have a single soft dorsal fin, a square tail and abdominal pelvic fins.

There is one native species of pupfish in Connecticut.

Click on the species name below to learn more.

Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) - Introduced

Sheepshead minnow.

 

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.