The Gardneri Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri), also popularly known as Blue Lyretail, is a fish with very vibrant colors. The species is considered very easy to care and, therefore, is one of the most recommended for those who are starting in the Fishkeeping hobby.
Below, check out a complete Gardneri Killifish care guide. Learn about water parameters, food and feeding, appearance, behavior, tank mates, reproduction and aquarium setup.
Gardneri Killifish – Care Guide
Technical Details
Name: Gardneri Killifish, Steel Blue killifish, killifish;
Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri (Boulenger, 1911);
Family: Nothobranchiidae;
Species Origin: Africa (Cameroon and Nigeria);
Length: Up to 2,5 inches;
Life Span: Between 4 and 8 years;
Care Level: Easy;
Water Parameters
pH: 6.0 – 7.0;
Water Hardness: Between 5 – 8;
Temperature: Must be kept between 22 – 25°C;
Distribution / Habitat
The Gardneri Killifish is native to the African continent, found mainly in Cameroon and Nigeria, where it lives in rivers, streams and swamps.
In nature, this fish is able to live in small puddles. Some are as small as an elephant’s footprint. Their eggs, for example, can lie dormant in the soil until the rains come and fill their cavities and holes. Then the eggs hatch and the fish begin to grow and live.
The species reached the ornamental fish market in 1913 and is still very popular among aquarists today. Just look at the details, patterns and colors and you’ll understand why they’re in demand.
The only bad thing about Killifish is its availability. Even though there’s a huge effort in raising these fish in captivity, they are still difficult to find in stores.
Note: Its name is derived from the term Killy, which come from the Dutch word meaning ditch, channel or stream, where most specimens of killifish can be found in nature.
Description
The Killifish is an extremely colorful fish. Although there are some differences in appearance, they all have bright colors with vivid patterns.
Most males have a bright yellow or red border on the outer rays of their caudal fin, developing into a beautiful lyre ray as the fish ages. There are also some deep red spots on its iridescent blue flanks, and usually the outer edge of the caudal fin is the same on both the dorsal and anal fins.
Females are smaller and less colorful than males, and have an olive to tan color with some red spots. His fins are transparent, but if you look closely, you can see some small brown spots. The female’s abdomen is silvery to light brown.
The killifish can reach up to 2,55 inches in length and your lifespan is between 4 and 8 years.
Foods and Feeding
In nature, the Gardneri Kilifish feeds on crustaceans and small insects. In an tank, it will accept flake or pellet feed, as well as live and freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
If you’re planning to breed Killifish, make sure you provide them with a diet rich in protein foods, as this will help encourage spawning and provide all the nutrients the fish need.
Temperament / Behavior
Many beginner stay away from the Killifish because of its name, thinking it is an aggressive animal or a “killer”. In fact, the males can be aggressive towards each other, but if the tank has enough hiding places for all of them, a group can live together without any problems.
I recommend that you create a group consisting of 1 male and at least 2 or 3 females.
One behavior you need to watch out for is the jumping. The Killifish is an excellent jumper, so don’t forget to add a lid to the tank to prevent possible jumps and losses.
Tank Mates
The Gardneri Killifish is a very resistant fish and, therefore, can coexist with several other species that appreciate a smooth flow of water.
It usually does well in community tanks with other fish of a similar nature and size. However, their vivid fins will attract the attention of species that like to nibble on them.
Some good tank mates for Killifish include, for example:
- Corydoras;
- Tetras;
- Gouramis;
- Danios;
- Clown Loach;
- Dwarf Cichlids;
- Siamese Alga Eater;
- Kuhli Loach;
Sexual Differences
Differentiating the male and female Killifish is a relatively easy task, as the male grows larger, has brighter colors and develops more extensive fins than females.
Reproduction
Many people have successfully bred the Gardneri Killifish in tanks.
I recommend that you set up an tank with at least 10 gallons with a substrate 1 or 2 centimeter deep. In addition, you should add rocks, plants on the sides and decorations (java moss, for example), and also floating plant species to give the fish a little more security. Don’t forget that the water temperature in this tank must be between 15 and 21ºC (Celsius), and the environment must be well illuminated.
Add a Killifish couple to that tank and feed them a high protein diet for 2 – 3 weeks. After that period, return them to the main tank. Within a few days, you should be able to see the fry emerging from the java moss.
The fry can be fed brine shrimp infusoria and nauplii every day with 3 or 4 small portions. As they grow, you can increase the size of the food provided.
I believe this method gives good results with a small but adequate number of fry.
Aquarium Setup
The tank for Gardneri Killifish needs to be at least 10 gallons for a couple.
Killifish like densely planted tanks with a gentle flow of water. Remember that you can use roots, rocks and any other types of ornaments to create hiding places and refuges for this fish.
Don’t forget to add a tight-fitting lid to the tank, as the Killifish are known to be excellent jumpers.
You can also add a powerful light fixture to your tank to keep fussy plants and bring out fish colors.
Once the Killifish arrives at the tank, it may show skittish behavior and stay hidden. However, as he gains confidence, he will start to swim in the front area and will appreciate attention.
Try to protect the filter outlets with sponges, to prevent possible fry from being sucked in.
References
Fishbase. Disponível em: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/9739. Acesso em 13 de Set. De 2019;
Collier, G.E., 2010. The genus Fundulopanchax: taxonomic history and molecular phylogeny. J. Am. Killifish Ass. 43(1):3-26. (Ref. 87109);
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/182030/0. Acesso realizado em 20 de Jan. De 2023;
Myers, G. S., 1924 – American Museum Novitates No. 116: 1-9
A new poeciliid fish from the Congo, with remarks on funduline genera;
