Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

They are lively, peaceful, and highly gregarious fish that bring constant movement to the aquarium. They can be somewhat skittish if kept in too small a group or if the tank lacks swimming space. When properly housed, they are bold and fascinating to watch as they swim against the current.

Diet

Omnivore

They are opportunistic omnivores that feed heavily on small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks in their natural estuarine habitats. In the aquarium, they easily adapt to high-quality pellets and flakes but should be supplemented with meaty foods. Frozen mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and chopped clams are excellent choices to keep them vibrant.

Sex ratio

School

This species displays strong sexual dimorphism; males feature vertical stripes, while females have horizontal stripes. They should be kept in schools of at least six, maintaining a ratio of more females to males to diffuse male aggression. A proper school size is crucial for their psychological well-being.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Due to their high energy levels, they should be fed one to two times daily. Providing them with enough food prevents aggressive competition within the school. They are vigorous eaters, so ensure that food reaches all members of the tank.

Bioload

Medium

The Striped killifish is a fast-swimming, medium-sized fish that generates a moderate to high bioload. Their continuous activity requires a substantial diet, leading to a proportional amount of waste. Strong biological and mechanical filtration is necessary to handle their bioload in a home aquarium.

Flow

Strong

They naturally inhabit shallow coastal waters and bays with strong tidal currents. They require a brisk, highly oxygenated water flow in the aquarium to simulate this environment and maintain their health. Using wavemakers or powerheads to create a strong current is highly recommended.

Jump risk

Yes

Like their relatives, Striped killifish are prone to jumping out of the water, a natural behavior used to escape predators. A heavy, tight-fitting cover is an absolute requirement for their aquarium. Extra caution is advised when performing tank maintenance.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding them in captivity is possible but requires replicating the brackish conditions of their native estuaries. They lay their eggs in sandy substrates or fine vegetation near the shorelines. The fry hatch quickly and require immediate access to small live foods like rotifers or baby brine shrimp.

Compatibility & tankmates

Community

They are an active, schooling species that does well in brackish or marine community tanks with fish of similar size and temperament. Good tank mates include larger mollies, scats, and peaceful gobies. They are not suitable for tanks with slow-moving or delicate fish, as their energetic swimming can cause stress.

Tank level

All levels

They are predominantly upper and mid-water swimmers that constantly cruise the open areas of the tank. They require long aquariums that provide ample horizontal swimming space. They rarely hide and prefer open water over densely decorated areas.