Fundulinae

/fʌndjuːˈlaɪni/ noun

Definition

A subfamily of small freshwater fish, including killifishes and topminnows, found mainly in the Americas.

Etymology

Derived from 'Fundulus' (the genus name) plus the taxonomic suffix '-inae' for subfamily. Named for their bottom-feeding behavior ('fundus' = bottom).

Kelly Says

Killifishes got their genus name Fundulus because they feed on the bottom—literally 'bottom-dwellers.' The tiniest fish can have the most verbose scientific names!

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