Blue Lyretail (Gardner's Killi)
Fundulopanchax gardneri
The Gardner's Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is perhaps the most robust and easiest killi of all to keep and breed, perfect for beginners to the genus. The male is a dazzling spectacle: metallic blue-green body densely spotted with crimson red, with yellow fins bordered by vibrant red stripes. Females, as typical in killis, are a modest dotted grey-brown color. Beyond its brazen beauty, its huge merit is extreme adaptability: it is a 'semi-annual' killifish that tolerates a wide range of water conditions.
Température de l’eau
20 - 25 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Tous les niveaux
Taille adulte
6 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 50 L
Groupe minimal
>= 3
GH
4 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 6 dKH
TDS
80 - 240 ppm
Conductivité
125 - 375 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
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 Cohabitation: 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 Breeding: 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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
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.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsAfrique et MadagascarCosmopolite ou introduit
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- 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.
- Régime alimentaire
- 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.
- Espérance de vie
- 2-3 years
- Taille adulte
- 6 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- 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.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- 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.
- Charge biologique
- 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.
- Courant
- 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.
- Risque de saut
- 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.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- 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.
- Niveau dans le bac
- 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.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,5 se
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00933, b = 2.89
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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