I'm in love with Killifish and everyone is invited to the...

[hubbahubbahehe]

WEDDING haha...JKJK

but yes, i love killifish..the way they swim is so graceful. locally, i have yet to find beautiful specimens that i want to keep ( i see either beat up ones or bland looking ones)

which ones do you have?? and if you could share a little about care requirements, breeding, peculiar traits, etc....i'd much appreciate it... pics are a plus too..

[2la]

Mike, if it's pics you want, it's pics you'll get! I'm far from a killifish expert, but I've kept a few in my day.

Care for all these species is pretty similar, but I'll note exceptions following each fish. Ideally killies should be kept in species tank, but some of the more robust or assertive species can be kept in community tanks so long as the usual major size differential issues are avoided. Most prefer soft, acidic waters, but exceptions exist, particularly among the lampeye and North American species. Most strongly prefer or outright require live or frozen foods. Temperature requirements vary, so be sure to read up on any species of interest. Breeding strategies vary, also, from annual killies that lay eggs requiring one or more 'dry' periods (so-called diapausal development of the eggs) to perennials that scatter eggs intermittently among plants, requiring several days to weeks to hatch. Many killies--particularly the annuals--are expert jumpers since in their natural habitat they may need to jump from shinking puddle to larger shrinking puddle in order to survive long enough to mate, so keep a lid on it! Many species can be raised in tanks as small as 2 gallons, but larger species should be kept in larger tanks. Males may spar to injury or to the death depending on species, while others get along fine provided there's enough room and hiding places in the tank. One final note: If you ever get into breeding, do not mix fish from different type localities (if this is known)! This is a major no-no amongst killie breeders since even within species local populations can be very isolated, leading to distinct differences in coloration and even the presence or absence of fins.

Aphyosemion australe 'Gold'

Male
Conditionally suitable for community tank--small, peaceful fish only!

Aphyosemion splendopleure 'Tiko green'

Male


Female
Even shyer than A. australe, but stands up for itself well in a similar tank with small, peaceful fish.

Aplocheilichthys normani

Male
Good community fish--should be kept in numbers even though it's not a tight schooler. Nonfussy eater. Their blue, almost luminescent eyes have to be seen in person to be believed!

Nothobranchius guentheri

Male
Best kept in a species tank.

Hope that helps...

[amanda huggenkiss]

My LFS has some Aphyosemion Australe 'Gold' right now and they're soooo pretty. If I had the space, I'd set up a tank just for them.

Hmmm. I do have a very peaceful community tho...

[hubbahubbahehe]

Thanks, 2la for the pics and info. That's the bees knees. quick question: why is it that they can't be in a community tank?

[2la]

They're shy and can get nervous and bulllied into not eating, or may not be able to compete for food or territory. Remember that many of these fish make a living out of residing in tiny seasonal (if that) puddles where obviously they are the only fish adapted to live and reproduce in them.

[wellbiz]

I have a pair of Aplocheilus lineatus that do just great in my community tank... They seem to be a little more agressive then your standard killie and have no problem competing for food.


Jason

[eds]

I've got a trio of fundulop. deltaense "Bayelsa" in my heavily stocked and planted 30g. They seem to be doing great.
The male is getting HUGE. What beautiful colors. Reminds me of a shark, cruising the bottom. The females seem most comfortable lurking amidst the thickest plantings.
They are doing fine on primarily dried foods - sinking shrimp pellets, dried bloodworms, and flake. Every month or so I buy a cup of fresh bloodworms for a treat.