Blue Lyretail (Gardner's Killi)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extremely widespread in Nigeria, Cameroon (Benue and Cross River basin). One of the most prolific killis in nature, it has adapted to survive both in permanent streams of the forested savanna and in seasonal pools that dry up during the dry season.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Gardner's Killifish (F. gardneri, often classified as F. nigerianus in the aquarium hobby). Semi-annual killi with a robust cylindrical body. Males develop filiform extensions ("lyretail") on the margins of the caudal fin.

Social Behavior: Very lively, bold, but males are formidably territorial. Fights between males result in biting attacks with torn fins and, in tight spaces, the death of the submissive. A single male, with 2-4 females, is the golden rule for modest tanks.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Amazing chromatism with countless local morphs (Lafia, Misaje, etc). The male's base pattern is light blue or metallic turquoise covered by a gaudy network of carmine red spots. The fins have sharp yellow or white edges, margined with red. Females are dull beige and gray.

Aquarium Setup: Incredibly adaptable species. 50 cm (20 inch) tank. Set up with a dark bottom, floating woods and dense bushes of Ceratophyllum or moss to absorb male aggression and provide shelter for females exhausted by constant mating. Absolutely sealed lid.

Diet and Feeding: Extremely voracious. Unlike other killis, it easily gets used to dry granules and even flakes, but requires live larvae (bloodworms, tubifex) or brine shrimp to express gaudy colors and condition the female for continuous reproduction.

Water Quality: It is the "Killi for beginners" par excellence thanks to its extraordinary tolerance. Tolerates pH from 6.0 to 7.5 and GH hardnesses up to 12. Like all killis, it must be kept at cool temperatures (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Does not tolerate sudden spikes in nitrites.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Too aggressive and voracious for small microrasboras (which will be eaten). Can cohabit in a community aquarium with snappy fish of similar size (Tetras, small Barbs), but monospecific keeping is recommended. Do not keep with Bettas (they would fight to the death).

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproductive machines. They lay 10-20 eggs a day in acrylic mops or moss. The eggs (hard) can be collected by hand every week. Incubation in water lasts 15-21 days. The parents, if well fed, rarely eat their own eggs.

Risks and Diseases: Escaping from the lid (through tiny openings for cables) is the cause of death for 90% of amateur specimens. Highly susceptible to velvet (Oodinium) and intestinal worms (Camallanus) if infected by commercial live food.