Mummichog food webmail

A fascinating topic!

Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) are a species of fish that are native to the eastern coast of North America. They are an important part of the marine food web, serving as both predators and prey for various species. Here's a simplified food web showing the relationships between mummichogs and other organisms:

Primary Producers:

• Phytoplankton (microalgae)
• Seagrasses
• Kelp

Primary Consumers:

• Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) - they feed on:
  • Phytoplankton
  • Small invertebrates (e.g., copepods, amphipods)
  • Detritus (decaying organic matter)

Secondary Consumers:

• Fish predators:
  • Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
  • Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
  • Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)
• Crustacean predators:
  • Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus)
  • Fiddler crabs (Uca spp.)
• Birds:
  • Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)
  • Seagulls (Larus spp.)

Tertiary Consumers:

• Large fish predators:
  • Sharks (e.g., sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus)
  • Large predatory fish (e.g., striped bass, Morone saxatilis)
• Marine mammals:
  • Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)
  • Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)

Decomposers:

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Invertebrates (e.g., isopods, amphipods) that feed on decaying organic matter

This food web illustrates the complex relationships between mummichogs and other organisms in their ecosystem. Mummichogs play a crucial role as both predators and prey, and their presence helps to maintain the balance of the food web.