Killifish are another wonderful choice for your tropical fish aquarium. With some exceptions, they are small colorful and easy to keep. One of the drabacks to them is that they are rarely found in aquarium stores so you will have to find other sources for them. The good news is that they can be found on line on aquabid.com or other auction sites. Another great source is the newslette of the American Killifish Association (AKA) (membership required). You can also sometimes find killifish at your local aquarium club.
You will need to research your choice before you purchase them (of course) because their requirements can vary greatly. One of the thing you will have to deal with in regard to killifish is scientific names, since most everyone only used them when referring to killis.
Great genera for starting out with killifish are Aphyosemion and Fundulopanchax. Some beginner Aphyosemion species would include a. bivittatum, A. ahli and A. calliurum. Suitable starter Fundulopanchax species would include Fp. Gardneri and Fp. filamentosus. For those wanting a bit more of a challenge, there is Fp. sjoestedti.
Killis are often kept in very small tanks – as small as 2.5 gallons. Water quality can be an issue with such small tanks so you must be careful if you are going to keep them in such a small tank. Simple box or sponge filters are suitable. Hardness and pH requirements can vary from species to species – more research. The water temperature should generally be between 72 F and 75 F.
Killifish should be fed a varied diet to assure good health. Live and flake food are generally accepted.
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