Scheel's killifish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the coastal swamps and small forest streams in southern Cameroon and Nigeria. Unlike many inland Fundulopanchax, its biotope is often located near slow-flowing coastal lagoons (Blackwater).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Scheel's Killi. Once considered a subspecies of F. gardneri, it differs in its slightly smaller size (5.5 - 6 cm / 2-2.3 inches) and the typical "brush" tail with much less pronounced lyretail filaments compared to the gardneri.

Social Behavior: Decidedly more shy, calm and peaceful than its fierce cousin F. gardneri. Spends time stationing in the thick of the vegetation at mid-water; the males perform choreographic parades with spread fins without the intent of killing each other.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Majestic and elegant livery: the male's body is opaque burgundy or bronze, topped with light blue or emerald metallic scales and a fine red stippling. The caudal fin has a thick sub-marginal yellow band. Faded and brownish females, with fine dark dots.

Aquarium Setup: Monospecific or very quiet community tanks of 45-60 cm (18-24 inches). Desperately need dim light: filter the light with woods covered with Microsorum and floating plants, inserting catappa leaves on the bottom. A tight-fitting lid is vital: they jump very high.

Diet and Feeding: Micropredator. More picky and delicate than the gardneri. Often stubbornly refuses dry food at first. A diet based on live/frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, nauplii and mosquito larvae is essential to induce reproduction and keep them from wasting away.

Water Quality: Prefers clearly soft (GH 4-10) and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.2) waters. Ideal temperatures are mild, between 22 and 26°C (71-79°F). Highly sensitive to the accumulation of nitrates, requires frequent small partial water changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: The ideal "community" killi among the Fundulopanchax. Given its docile and peaceful nature, it cohabits excellently with Corydoras and small docile characins or rasboras. Being shy, if bullied by other killis, it will stop feeding and hide until death.

Aquarium Reproduction: Purely "water-incubating" species (does not require dry diapause). The eggs are laid in the floating mop or in the moss and hatch directly in the water after about 15-20 days, making it an excellent and rewarding killi for beginners of the genus.

Risks and Diseases: Fatal jump (usual risk of all killifish). Subject to fungal infections and Oodinium if kept in too old or polluted waters. Rarely survives beyond two years, being a species with a naturally accelerated life cycle.