Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Territorial

They are generally peaceful and shy, especially when housed without adequate cover. Males may display harmless sparring behaviors with one another to establish dominance. Providing a heavily planted environment encourages them to exhibit their best colors and most natural behaviors.

Diet

Carnivore

They are active micro-predators that eagerly consume small live and frozen foods. Bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp are excellent choices for conditioning them. They will usually accept high-quality crushed flakes or micro-pellets with some coaxing.

Adult size

7 cm

Sex ratio

Specific M:F ratio

Males are stunningly colorful, while females are duller and typically smaller. Keeping a ratio of one male to two or three females reduces harassment toward any single female. Multiple males can be kept together if the tank is heavily planted and spacious enough.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them small amounts once or twice daily is generally sufficient for maintenance. If conditioning for breeding, providing live foods two to three times a day is beneficial. Ensure all food is consumed quickly to prevent water quality degradation.

Bioload

Low

This small killifish has a very minimal bioload, making them suitable for smaller setups. Standard sponge filters or gentle hang-on-back filters are more than adequate. Regular, moderate water changes will easily keep their environment clean and stable.

Flow

Stagnant

They strongly prefer gentle water flow, mimicking the sluggish streams and swamps of their natural habitat. Vigorous currents will cause them stress and exhaust them over time. Air-driven sponge filters provide the perfect combination of gentle flow and biological filtration.

Jump risk

Yes

Like most killifish, they are notorious and expert jumpers. A completely sealed lid with no gaps is absolutely necessary to prevent tragic escapes. Floating plants can also help deter them from jumping by providing a sense of overhead security.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are non-annual or semi-annual killifish that readily lay eggs in spawning mops or fine-leaved plants. The eggs can be water-incubated or collected and stored in damp peat moss. Fry hatch within a few weeks and require infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

They are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, gentle species. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might easily prey upon them. They also thrive in dedicated species-only tanks where their behaviors can be fully appreciated.

Tank level

All levels

They mostly inhabit the middle and upper levels of the water column. They appreciate tanks with dense vegetation, especially floating plants that dim the lighting. They frequently explore the surfaces of plant leaves searching for tiny organisms.