Description

Gardneri Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri

• Common Names: Gardneri Killifish, Gardneri Panchax, Blue Gardneri

• Family: Nothobranchiidae (Killifish Family)

• Order: Cyprinodontiformes

• Origin: West Africa — mainly Nigeria, Cameroon, and surrounding freshwater streams and ponds

• Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6–7 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 2 – 4 years (short-lived species)

• Tank Zone: Mid to upper water column

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 50 – 150 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Slender, elongated body with smooth scales.

• Coloration: Brilliant metallic blue-green body with bright red or orange fins; males are more colorful than females.

• Fins: Rounded dorsal and anal fins; slightly forked caudal fin.

• Behavior: Peaceful but territorial during breeding; males display to females with flaring fins.

• Nature: Diurnal; active swimmers; enjoys plants and hiding areas.

• Special Feature: Egg-laying species; vibrant colors and intricate patterns make them popular among killifish enthusiasts.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous/Omnivorous

• Diet: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small insects; high-quality micro-pellets.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.

• Tip: Live foods enhance coloration and encourage breeding behavior.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons) for a pair.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration; avoid strong currents.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; spawning mops or peat moss recommended for breeding.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and floating vegetation; dark substrate enhances colors.

• Lighting: Moderate; avoids stress and enhances coloration.

• Water Change: 20% weekly; maintain high water quality.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Kept as a pair or harems (1 male with 2–3 females).

• Tank Mates: Peaceful small fish like small rasboras or other killifish species.

• Avoid: Aggressive or large fish that may eat eggs or fry.

• Compatibility Note: Territorial during breeding; males may display aggression toward each other.

✅ Do’s

• Keep a pair or a harem for breeding purposes.

• Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots.

• Feed live or frozen foods for best coloration.

• Maintain stable, clean water conditions.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t house with aggressive species.

• Don’t keep males together in small tanks (may fight).

• Don’t neglect water changes; sensitive to poor water quality.

⭐ Quick Tips
Gardneri Killifish are vibrant, short-lived, and highly rewarding freshwater fish. Their dazzling colors, active behavior, and ease of breeding make them a favorite for enthusiasts who enjoy small, beautifully colored mid-water fish in planted aquariums.