Gery's killi

Scriptaphyosemion geryi

Also known as Gery's killifish, Aphyosemion geryi, Roloffia geryi

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.2
Adult size: 2.6 in (6.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 14 gal (54 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Native to shaded pools, swamps, and small streams in the coastal savanna from the Gambia River south through Guinea to Sierra Leone.
Family: Nothobranchiidae

Overview

Keep a pair or a harem in a planted 54 litre species tank at 22 to 26 C and soft to medium water around pH 6.0 to 7.2. It is peaceful but timid, so avoid pushy tankmates that will beat it to food. Feed live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, and white worm. Spawn on a mop and incubate the eggs in water, where they hatch in two to three weeks.

In the wild

It lives in shallow, well shaded waters in the forested coastal savanna of West Africa, including pools, swamps, and brooks. Males show pale blue and red patterning with a marked tail, and both sexes are fairly slim. Provide a dim, planted tank with plenty of cover and a secure lid because it is shy and easily startled.

Good to know

Scriptaphyosemion geryi is a non-annual killifish that can live three to four years, much longer than the true annual species. It was formerly placed in the genera Aphyosemion and Roloffia. It lays eggs on plants and does not require a dry period.