Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Territorial

They are active, bold, and generally peaceful toward other species. However, males display territorial behavior and will flare and spar with rival males. Providing complex environments with visual barriers minimizes any potential aggression.

Diet

Omnivore

They are primarily carnivorous, thriving on a diet of small, meaty foods. Frozen or live daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp should form the core of their diet. Many specimens easily adapt to accepting high-quality dry pellets or flakes as well.

Adult size

6 cm

Sex ratio

Harem

Males are highly aggressive toward one another and enthusiastically pursue females. A ratio of one male to at least two females is strongly recommended to diffuse harassment. In larger, densely planted tanks, multiple males can establish their own small territories.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Adults fare well on one to two small feedings per day. When preparing them to spawn, offering live foods multiple times a day yields the best results. Always remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain pristine water conditions.

Bioload

Low

This colorful species produces a light bioload, ideal for nano tanks and small planted aquariums. They do well with basic filtration systems like sponge filters. Standard maintenance and weekly water changes are sufficient to keep the water quality high.

Flow

Strong

They naturally reside in quiet, heavily vegetated pools and slow-moving streams. Strong water flow should be strictly avoided as it causes them significant stress. A simple sponge filter provides the ideal, gentle water movement they prefer.

Jump risk

Yes

Like all species in this genus, they are incredible jumpers capable of finding the smallest gaps. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely non-negotiable for their long-term survival. Keeping the water level slightly lowered can also serve as an additional preventative measure.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are among the easiest killifish to breed, utilizing spawning mops or dense moss. Eggs can be left in the water to hatch or removed for dry incubation on peat. Fry are relatively large at hatching and can quickly take newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

They are peaceful but can be slightly nippy, making them great companions for similar-sized, robust fish. Avoid housing them with slow-moving fish that have long, flowing fins. They are arguably best kept in a species-only setup to fully observe their unique behaviors.

Tank level

All levels

They spend most of their time darting around the middle and upper levels of the tank. They love to rest among floating plants or wide leaves near the water's surface. Darker substrates and shaded areas make them feel the most secure.