pike killifish
(Belonesox belizanus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Belonesox belizanus is native to the Atlantic slope drainages of Mexico, east through Yucatan, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. Pike killifish were introduced to the United States a released medical research individuals and ornamental fish farm.
Life Cycle
B. belizanus has a long jaw that forms a pointed beak and contains large teeth and its body is dark grey in coloration dorsally slowly lightening ventrally. Pike killifish are approximately 11.8 in. (20 cm) in length. Sexual maturity is based on size with females larger than 3 in. (75 mm) and males larger than 2.2 in. (55 mm) mature. B. belizanus reproduction occurs year-round in Florida with young able to capture prey within one day of hatching. Adult diets are primarily fish.
Distribution
B. belizanus is established in southern Florida.
Control Efforts
B. belizanus is reported to reduce native fish populations.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=843
Belonesox belizanus is native to the Atlantic slope drainages of Mexico, east through Yucatan, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. Pike killifish were introduced to the United States a released medical research individuals and ornamental fish farm.
Life Cycle
B. belizanus has a long jaw that forms a pointed beak and contains large teeth and its body is dark grey in coloration dorsally slowly lightening ventrally. Pike killifish are approximately 11.8 in. (20 cm) in length. Sexual maturity is based on size with females larger than 3 in. (75 mm) and males larger than 2.2 in. (55 mm) mature. B. belizanus reproduction occurs year-round in Florida with young able to capture prey within one day of hatching. Adult diets are primarily fish.
Distribution
B. belizanus is established in southern Florida.
Control Efforts
B. belizanus is reported to reduce native fish populations.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=843
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Order: Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: Poeciliidae |
| Subfamily: Poeciliinae |
| Genus: Belonesox |
| Belonesox belizanus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.