Eastern mudminnow

It is an elongated, stout-bodied fish, brown or yellow-green in color, with about 10 or more dark, narrow, lateral stripes separated by pale spaces, although there is no lateral line on the fish. The pelvic fin lies somewhat farther back on the body, such that it rests below the dorsal fin. The body is elongated, and the maximum size of the fish is {{convert|15|cm|in|abbr=on}}.

The native range of the eastern mudminnow is from New York to Florida, and found as west as Georgia. It has also been introduced to Europe, where it can be found in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland.{{Cite journal|date=2010|title=Present status of the North American Umbra pygmaea (DeKay, 1842) (eastern mudminnow) in Flanders (Belgium) and in Europe.|journal=Aquatic Invasions|url=https://www.cabi.org/isc/abstract/20103121580|language=en|issn=1798-6540}}

It is generally found in still or slow-moving waters, often in dense vegetation, often over heavily vegetated streams, swamps, and ponds.{{Cite web|url=http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/factsheets/11292.pdf|title=Eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea)|website=Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program|access-date=2018-11-21}}

The eastern mudminnow has shown great adaptability to poor habitats with low pH, temperature, and presence of oxygen. At least one incident has been documented where an eastern mudminnow has survived an entire night out of water. The fish can be found in waters with a pH ranging from 3.5 to 8.1 in natural environments.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/59964|title=Umbra pygmaea (eastern mudminnow)|website=cabi.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-21}} The optimal pH for growth is 4.5, which is often detrimental or even fatal for most fish.{{Cite journal|last=Kuehne|first=Lauren|date=August 2014|title=Ecology and Conservation of Mudminnow Species Worldwide|url=http://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Fisheries_2014.pdf|journal=Fisheries|volume=39|issue=8|pages=341–351|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101013409/http://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Fisheries_2014.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-01|doi=10.1080/03632415.2014.933318}}

The eastern mudminnow are bottom-feeders and feed on insect larvae, worms, molluscs, and crustaceans.

The eastern mudminnows are known to leap from the water while feeding.

Eastern mudminnows have been known to exhibit more complex reproductive behaviors. Males participate in courtship and the fish build nests. Nests can be found in cavities of algae, under loose rocks, and in depressions in the sand. Females guard nests, and males may as well.

During courtship, males will quiver their bodies and show their fins.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nanfa.org/articles/acumbra.shtml|title=Spawning the Eastern Mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea)|last=Eccleston|first=John|date=August 1982|website=North American Native Fishes Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121212238/http://www.nanfa.org/articles/acumbra.shtml|archive-date=2018-11-21|access-date=2018-11-21}}

In North America, the eastern mudminnow is usually viewed upon with little concern.

The eastern mudminnow is viewed as a potentially invasive species in much of Europe. The spread of the fish to six European countries in the 20th century is mostly attribute to popularity in the aquaculture and aquarium trades. The presence of eastern mudminnows in Europe can undermine the conservation efforts of vulnerable species such as the european mudminnow. The spread of the eastern mudminnow in these parts of Europe seems to be slow and primarily human mediated (due to usage as live bait or for aquariums).

{{Reflist}}

• Smith, L. C. The Inland Fishes of New York State. New York: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1985, pp. 242.
• {{ITIS |id=162148 |taxon=Umbra pygmaea |accessdate=4 August 2008}}

{{Commons category|position=left|Umbra pygmaea}}

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Category:Umbra (fish)

Category:Freshwater fish of the United States

Category:Fish of the Eastern United States

Category:Fish of the Great Lakes

Category:Fish described in 1842