Status of the Banded Killifish, Fundulus diaphanus, in Canada

Abstract

The Banded Killifish, Fundulus diaphanus , is one of three species of the genus occurring in Canadian waters and is a species preferring the quiet waters of lakes and ponds. It tolerates temperatures in excess of 30 degree C, but prefers temperatures in the range of 21 degree to 28 degree C. In Canada, the Banded Killifish is widely distributed in the Maritime Provinces but is known from only a few localities in Newfoundland. The range extends west through southern Quebec and Ontario in the Great Lakes watershed to Lake Huron. They have been recorded from the Red River at Winnipeg, Manitoba, Crowduck Lake, Manitoba and Lake of the Woods, Ontario. The species has an extremely limited distribution in Newfoundland and Manitoba where further immigration in these areas is unlikely due to lack of suitable habitat or barriers to dispersion