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