Details of all species referred to in these Fish Care Sheets can be found in the FBAS Booklet No 6 - National Show Fish Sizes. Click HERE for information.

                                                   Killifish                 01/06/2000

Genera: Aphyosemion, Aplocheilus, Cynolebias, Epiplatys, Nothobranchius.

Family: Aplocheilidae, Cyprinodontidae.

Geographic origin: North & South America, Africa, Asia and Southern Europe.

Common Names: Very few have common names. Aplocheilus lineatus (gold form)
                         is known as the 'Golden Wonder'.

Compatibility: Few killifish are kept in community tanks. Usually they are kept
                      as single species. This is often because the females of one
                      species are not readily distinguished from a close relative
                      species. Research prior to purchase is recommended.

Minimum Aquarium Size: Pairs of Killifish can be easily kept in small aquaria
                                     e.g. 250mm x 200mm x 200mm (10” x 8” x 8”).
                                     Only a very few large killifish require large tanks.

Temperature: Undemanding. Temperatures may range from 20^o/30^oC
                     68^o/86^oF, some have very specific requirements and more
                     research is necessary to establish what these requirements are.

Habitat: May be found in very small ponds (even puddles), rivers and lakes.
              Community tank fish will benefit from a well planted aquarium.

Water Parameters : Most fish require soft acid water and do not easily accept
                             hard alkaline water conditions. Small water changes on a
                             weekly basis are beneficial.

Health: Several genera suffer from Oodinium – Velvet Disease which must be
            treated promptly. Small fry seem to be particularly vulnerable.

Diet: Generally prefer live foods such as Daphnia, Mosquito larvae, Bloodworm
         and Tubifex worms. Also accept frozen varieties of the live foods.
         May, given time, accept dried foods.

Plants: Most killifish, are kept in unplanted tanks.

Breeding Notes : Fertilised eggs, laid in plants or in the substrate may,
                         depending on species, need a period of semi-dehydration
                         before hatching is triggered by re-immersion.

Availability: Only a very few species are stocked by fish shops.
                   Mainly available through a specialist organisation such as the
                   British Killifish Association.

Show Class: FBAS Show Class F

© FBAS 2000. PWC/RDE                                    Fish Care Sheet 13 1/1

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