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
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Nothobranchiidae
- Origin
- Native to shaded pools, swamps, and small streams in the coastal savanna from the Gambia River south through Guinea to Sierra Leone.
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.
Did you know
Its shy nature means it is often passed over for flashier killifish, even though it is hardy and long-lived once it settles in.
Common questions
What size tank does a Gery's killi need?
A Gery's killi needs at least 14 gal (54 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Gery's killi need?
A Gery's killi is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.
How big does a Gery's killi get?
An adult Gery's killi reaches about 2.6 in (6.5 cm).
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