Banded Killifish

Banded Killifish (retrieved from: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/endangeredspecies/Banded_Killifish_Information_Sheet.pdf)

The Banded Killifish are found all along southeast Canada in freshwater and brackish water environments. In the Province of Newfoundland, they are found in several locations on the west coast, northeast coast, and Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland. These locations represent the Eastern most extent of this species’ range and a unique Canadian population. In their natural habitat, these fish can be seen in shallow areas of clean ponds with a muddy/sandy substrate. What makes them of such special significance here in Newfoundland is that they are isolated from mainland populations and research is ongoing to determine if it is a distinct subspecies. This Newfoundland population is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) and COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) has the species listed as special concern, the reason for designation was as follows:

“The population is separated from other major populations due to barriers to movement, i.e. 200 km of ocean. Newfoundland populations have a very limited area of occupancy. The possibility of range expansion is limited by steep gradients and impassible rapids and/or falls. Habitat degradation resulting from proposed logging would negatively impact populations in some areas.”

            The Banded Killifish usually grows to about 75 mm in length and can live for 3 to 4 years. They have an elongated slender body, which is slightly flattened at the back of the head. Banded Killifish have a dark brown to olive-green back and silvery or yellowish sides.

            In regards of recovery, it’s extremely difficult to create a efficient recovery management plan for this species. This is simply because populations of this fish are very small and at distances too great to interact with one another. In Newfoundland, we also monitor the activity of the eel fishery as it often takes Killifish as by catch.  Although reports continue to show that by catch does occur, these fish are often released alive. Although the Banded Killifish was incorporated into the forest harvesting plan for Indian Bay, as of right now many places in the Indian Bay watershed are threatened by clear cutting operations. It is believed that clear cutting will increase suspended particles in the lake and greatly increase the mortality rates of the Banded Killifish. We must remember that this species is found in the mainland of Canada and the United States, yet the Killifish of Newfoundland are the only group protected. This is because they are unique to our province and they should be protected!

References: 

SARA Registry. (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=85#distribution on March 8, 2012.

Department of Environment and Conservation. (2012). Retrived from: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/endangeredspecies/fish.html on March 8, 2012.