TankBud

Killifish

Killifish are small, often brilliantly colored egg-layers with a range of lifestyles: annual species from seasonal pools live fast and lay eggs that rest in the substrate, while non-annual species are longer-lived and more forgiving. Many killifish, especially Aphyosemion, prefer soft, slightly acidic water, while others do fine in moderately hard tap water. Keep the tank covered, since many are jumpers. Each profile lists tank size, water and how a species breeds.

At a glance

Tank size
5–40 gal
5 gal (20 L) to 40 gal (150 L); half the list needs 14 gal (54 L) or more
Temperature
70–79°F
21–26°C, most of the list
pH
6.0–7.5
Most of the list
Difficulty
15 easy
49 medium · 6 difficult
Temperament
20 peaceful
42 mostly peaceful · 8 aggressive

70 species

By the numbers

Smallest

  1. 01
    Blackspot lampeye (Poropanchax stigmatopygus)

    Blackspot lampeye

    Poropanchax stigmatopygus

    1.2 in (3 cm)
  2. 02
    Amber-finned lampeye (Foerschichthys flavipinnis)

    Amber-finned lampeye

    Foerschichthys flavipinnis

    1.4 in (3.5 cm)
  3. 03
    Clown killifish (Epiplatys annulatus)

    Clown killifish

    Epiplatys annulatus

    1.4 in (3.5 cm)
  4. 04
    Dubois' panchax (Epiplatys duboisi)

    Dubois' panchax

    Epiplatys duboisi

    1.4 in (3.5 cm)

Largest

  1. 01
    Northern studfish (Fundulus catenatus)

    Northern studfish

    Fundulus catenatus

    5.9 in (15 cm)
  2. 02
    Tanganyika killifish (Lamprichthys tanganicanus)

    Tanganyika killifish

    Lamprichthys tanganicanus

    5.5 in (14 cm)
  3. 03
    Blue gularis (Fundulopanchax sjoestedti)

    Blue gularis

    Fundulopanchax sjoestedti

    4.7 in (12 cm)
  4. 04
    Striped panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus)

    Striped panchax

    Aplocheilus lineatus

    4.3 in (11 cm)

Easiest to keep

Most peaceful

Fits a 30 gallon tank

Index

All killifish

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