Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Relatively peaceful, though males will constantly flare and display their magnificent fins at each other. They are highly active and focused almost entirely on feeding and mating. Providing plenty of plants ensures subdominant males can break line of sight.

Diet

Omnivore

A dedicated carnivore that almost exclusively accepts live or frozen foods. A varied diet of live bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp is highly recommended. Achieving their world-famous coloration depends entirely on a high-quality, diverse diet.

Adult size

6 cm

Sex ratio

Specific M:F ratio

Should be kept with a ratio of one male to two or three females. Males will vigorously pursue females for breeding from dawn till dusk. Having multiple females ensures no single female is overly stressed by a male's attention.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Should be fed small amounts twice a day. Since their lifespan is only about a year, they must consume a lot of calories daily to grow and breed. Promptly remove any uneaten food to maintain pristine water conditions.

Bioload

Generates a minimal bioload, easily supported by small biological filters. Routine water maintenance is vital as they are sensitive to poor water conditions. Aim for excellent water quality to maximize their short natural lifespan.

Flow

Stagnant

Thrives in nearly stagnant water conditions, replicating the ephemeral pools of their native Mozambique. Air-driven sponge filters provide the necessary gentle filtration without creating strong currents. Strong flow will cause exhaustion and drastically shorten their life.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Famous annual killifish that bury their eggs in a soft substrate to survive the dry season. Peat moss is typically provided, which is then removed, dried, and stored for 4 to 6 months. Hydrating the dry peat moss will trigger the fry to hatch simultaneously.

Compatibility & tankmates

Best maintained in a dedicated species tank to fully appreciate their spectacular colors and breeding behavior. They can be housed with gentle bottom-dwellers, but this can complicate egg collection. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fast-swimming fish.

Tank level

Bottom

Spends the majority of its time near the bottom of the aquarium looking for food and spawning sites. They will dive directly into the substrate to deposit their eggs. Floating plants can make them feel more secure to explore higher levels.