NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORDS FOR THE SPOTFIN KILLIFISH, FUNDULUS LUCIAE (BAIRD), IN THE LOWER HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY AND ADJACENT WATERS

Abstract

The spotfin killifish, Fundulus luciae, occurs in salt and brackish marshes of the east coast of the United States from Georgia to Massachusetts. The purpose of this study was to provide additional information on the distribution and habitat preferences of spotfin killifish in the lower Hudson River Estuary, where prior to 2000, this species had not been reported. The primary study site was Piermont Marsh, Rockland County, NY. Additional collection sites included Ralph Creek, Brooklyn, NY; Saw Mill Creek, Staten Island, NY; and Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ. Twenty-five spotfin killifish were collected at Piermont Marsh and Ralph Creek during 2001. All specimens were collected from the upper intertidal zone, in accordance with the reported habitat preferences and life history of this species. Samples from previous studies in northeastern U.S. brackish/salt marshes were examined, and spotfin killifish were identified from samples collected at Branford, CT in 1999; Milford, CT in 2000; and Larchmont, NY in 1976. These findings indicate that spotfin killifish may not necessarily be rare; however, their cryptic lifestyle and preference for high intertidal brackish/salt marsh habitat has often precluded detailed assessments of their life history and geographic distribution.