Barrens Topminnow

Scientific name: Fundulus julisia

 

Size: To 3 in.

 

Range: Tennessee in headwaters of the Cumberland and Tennessee river systems

 

Habitat: Heavily vegetated spring pools

 

Diet: Aquatic invertebrates

 

Conservation status: Endangered

 

This unique fish is limited to 22 small spring seeps across 3 counties in east-central Tennessee. The Barrens topminnow has become threatened by introductions of invasive Mosquitofish, which out-compete and harass juvenile topminnows.

 

We are working with the following organizations to propagate juvenile fishes for recovery efforts. Aquarist Matt Hamilton leads the propagation effort for the Tennessee Aquarium and TNACI. Other partners include:

 

Conservation Fisheries, Inc.

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

United States Fish and Wildlife Service