A photo of Northern Studfish

Northern Studfish

Fundulus catenatus

Neptune’s rating:

59
Check Compatibility
  • AffordabilityVery Affordable
  • Aggression LevelVery Peaceful
  • Breeding AggressionSlightly More Aggressive
  • DifficultyChallenging
  • HardinessResilient
  • Length5.0 - 7.0 cm
  • Liters per Fish20 L
  • Maintenance LevelModerate Maintenance
  • pH6.5 - 7.5
  • PopularityUncommon
  • RarityRare
  • Minimum School Size6
  • Tank HabitatSurface Dweller, Mid-tank Dweller, Bottom Dweller
  • Temperature20.0 - 26.0 °C
  • Territorial BehaviourModerately Territorial

Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.

More about Northern Studfish

The Northern Studfish (Fundulus catenatus) is a slender, elongated species native to the freshwaters of the southeastern United States, particularly within the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems. Known for its dazzling appearance, this fish sports a silvery-blue to olive hue, complemented by a series of dark, vertical bars or black bands along its sides. Males, especially during breeding, exhibit enhanced coloration, with orange spots on their dorsal fins, anal fin, and body, making them stand out against the neutral tones of the riverbed. Commonly found in shallow water with sand and gravel substrates, the Northern Studfish thrives in clear, calm stretches of streams and river drainages amidst vegetation, where it often interacts with the southern studfish (Fundulus stellifer).

Despite its beauty, the Northern Studfish remains relatively uncommon in the aquarium hobby, largely due to its preference for specific conditions and live food. However, for dedicated aquarists willing to recreate its natural habitat, this fish makes for an engaging and visually striking addition to any freshwater setup.

Did you know?

Northern Studfish are sometimes found in bait buckets and are occasionally used as bait in local fishing, particularly in regions along the Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi rivers. These stunning fish are adapted to their natural riverine habitats, and their preference for clean, flowing water makes them a unique but demanding species in captivity.

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