Steel Blue Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri)
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Steel Blue Killifish
Steel Blue Killfish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
19 Litres (5 US G.)
5-6 cm (2-2.4")
Freshwater
6.0 - 7.0
22 -25 °C (71.6-77°F)
5-8 °d
1:2-3 M:F
5-8 years
Family
Nothobranchiidae
This animal is available captive bred
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Contents
Additional names
- Blue Lyretail, Steel Blue Killifish
Additional scientific names
- Fundulopanchax gardneri gardneri, Aphyosemion gardneri
Origin
- These Killis are native to Cameroon and Nigeria, where they inhabit tannin stained creeks, ponds and streams.
Sexing
- Females are less decorated and golden-grey. They also may have some pink scales running down their middle, while males have red, blue and yellow patterning across golden body. Females have enlarged abdomens compared to males.
Breeding
- Hardy and easy to breed, a pair in top condition will lay a clutch of about ten eggs daily. A non-annual, it spawns on aquatic plants, rocks and even filters, with eggs hatching after 14-21 days. Even so, the eggs can tolerate up to one year dormant period.
Tank compatibility
- Best kept in a species tank. They thrive in soft, slightly acidic aquaria. Either keep one male or a group of males (3 or more) among a larger number of females. Two males by themselves will result in a dominant and subdominant male, resulting in continuous harassment. Eventually, the subdominant male will have his fins ripped apart and succumb to injuries. Multiple males however changes the dynamic, and allows the dominant male to change targets.
Suggested Options
- If a community tank is desired, then peaceful and unassuming fishes would make the best tank mates. Such fish include Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Plecos. If the tank is large enough (15 gallons or more), then one could venture to keep nimble and hardy Characins and Cyprinids such as Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, hara jerdoni, and Espe's rasbora. In addition, keep them in large schools, so that the large number will confuse the aggressive killies. An ideal tankmate is the rare species of catfish, microsynodontis polli. This can be kept with killifish in a tank of 5 gallons or more, as this particular species of catfish is not very active. It comes from a similar part of the world, and requires the same water parameters.
- Delicate and colorful fish would best be avoided. These fish include Guppies and Pencilfish. Also small freshwater shrimp can be prone to constant nipping, especially if the fish think they resemble prey. Examples of vulnerable shrimp species include Red Cherry Shrimp, and Bee shrimp, and Amano shrimp. Atyopsis species are the perfect size, however appreciate harder water.
Diet
- Omnivore. Living or frozen foods, such as Daphnia, Tubifex Worms, Enchytrae, and Brine Shrimp. Will also accept Pellet foods and can be weaned on Flake Food. Will also feed on very young crickets and cockroaches. These can purchased at must pet stores.
Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics
- A heavy planted tank with roots and rocks to provide plenty of hiding spaces. Peat moss would provide best substrate to make the water slightly acidic and soft.
Native Habitats
Behaviour
- Usually peaceful fish that are easy to spawn. However, males can exert aggressive tendencies, especially when hungry.
Identification
- Males and females can be identified through their upturned mouth and eye in close proximity to the mouth. Males further have colorful bodies and elongated fins. Body colors can vary. Most common are greenish blue that gradually shades into steel blue as the body terminates in the caudal peduncle. Red or purple dots further speckle the entire length of the body, dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The abdominal, dorsal, anal, and caudal fins may be outlined yellow and orange.
- Females, on the other hand appear grey. Through breeding, more colorful versions may exist too, but are not the norm. Unlike the males, females will have short and rounded fins.
Pictures
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
- Aqua Articles - Breeding Fundulopanchax gardneri
- Killi.co.uk
- Seriously Fish
