(C3) American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae)

Description

Description

American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae)

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Jordanella floridae

  • Common Names: American Flag Fish, Flag Fish

  • Family: Cyprinodontidae (Killifish Family)

  • Order: Cyprinodontiformes

  • Origin: United States — mainly Florida freshwater rivers, streams, and coastal ponds

  • Size: Up to 3 inches (7–8 cm) in captivity

  • Lifespan: 4 – 6 years

  • Tank Zone: Mid to upper water column

🌊 Water Parameters

  • TDS: 50 – 200 ppm

  • pH: 6.5 – 8.0

  • Temperature: 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F)

  • Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

  • Body: Laterally compressed, slender body with smooth scales.

  • Coloration: White-silver body with black vertical stripes and bright red/orange tail — resembles the American flag; males are more colorful than females.

  • Fins: Dorsal and anal fins elongated; caudal fin fan-shaped; pectoral fins translucent.

  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive; territorial during breeding; active swimmer.

  • Nature: Diurnal; enjoys planted areas and open swimming spaces.

  • Special Feature: Excellent algae eater; hardy and resilient species.

🍽️ Food

  • Type: Omnivorous

  • Diet: Flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms; also grazes on algae.

  • Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.

  • Tip: A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration and overall health.

🛠️ Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons) for a single specimen; larger tanks recommended for groups.

  • Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle to moderate water flow.

  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel; smooth decorations to avoid fin damage.

  • Decor: Plants, rocks, and driftwood; open swimming spaces with floating plants.

  • Lighting: Moderate; enhances colors and algae growth for grazing.

  • Water Change: 20–25% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Group Size: Can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups (3–5); males may display territorial behavior.

  • Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish of similar size; avoid very small or aggressive species.

  • Avoid: Small fish that may be nipped or eaten during breeding.

  • Compatibility Note: Males are territorial; provide hiding spots to reduce aggression.

Do’s

  • Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots.

  • Feed a varied diet including live, frozen, and algae-based foods.

  • Maintain clean, stable water conditions.

  • Keep males separated if aggressive behavior occurs.

Don’ts

  • Don’t keep with very small or aggressive fish.

  • Don’t neglect water quality; sensitive to ammonia spikes.

  • Don’t overcrowd; requires space to swim and establish territories.

Quick Tips
American Flag Fish are hardy, colorful, and active freshwater fish. Their striking red, white, and black pattern, semi-aggressive behavior, and algae-eating habits make them ideal for community tanks or planted aquariums where they can display their colors and activity