Gardneri Killifish

Gardneri Killifish

The Gardneri Killifish, also known as the Steel-Blue Killi or Blue Lyretail, is a colorful West African killifish from Nigeria and Cameroon. Males show steel-blue bodies covered in red-maroon spots, with yellow- or orange-edged fins, while females are smaller and more subdued in color.

Hardy and colorful, Gardneri Killifish are one of the best choices for fish keepers who are new to killifish. They do best in a species tank or a carefully planned setup with calm tankmates, where they spend most of their time in the upper and middle levels of the water.

Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Peaceful (males are territorial with each other)
Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches (males are larger)
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a pair or trio (larger for a group)
Temperature: 68–79°F (ideally 72–75°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5 (prefers soft, slightly acidic water)
Diet: Carnivore / Micropredator
Water Level: Middle to Top
Breeding: Egg-layer (plant or spawning-mop spawner) / Moderate to breed

Gardneri Killifish appreciate a well-planted aquarium with floating plants, mosses, or other cover, and gentle filtration such as a sponge filter. Males can be territorial with each other, so a ratio of approximately 1 male to 2–3 females and plenty of hiding spots are recommended. A tight-fitting lid is essential, since killifish are excellent jumpers.

Unlike livebearers, Gardneri Killifish lay eggs among fine-leaved plants, moss, or spawning mops. Adults will eat their eggs, so remove the eggs daily if you want to raise fry. Eggs typically hatch in about 2–3 weeks in water, and the fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or microworms.

For healthy growth and vibrant coloration, provide a varied diet of quality flakes or small pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

Please note: Coloration, spotting, fin shape, and body size naturally vary between individual fish, and females are less colorful than males. The fish you receive may look a little different from others of the same variety.

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