About Gardneri Killifish
The Gardneri Killifish is a beautiful and popular killifish species from Nigeria, known for the males stunning blue-green coloration with red spots. Killifish are called annual fish because their natural habitats dry up seasonally, resulting in a short lifespan of 2-3 years. They are egg-layers that can be bred in aquariums, and their eggs can be dried and stored for months before hatching when rehydrated. Males are colorful and somewhat aggressive toward each other, while females are duller. They are best kept as pairs or harem groups with one male and multiple females.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Gardneri Killifish need planted tanks with some surface cover.
Essential Setup:
- 10+ gallons minimum
- Dense planting
- Floating plants for security
- Gentle filtration
- Spawning mop or fine-leaved plants
- Temperature 68-75°F
Water Quality
- Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <15 ppm
Feeding
Prefer live foods but accept alternatives:
- Live foods: fruit flies, small worms, mosquito larvae (preferred)
- Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp
- Quality flakes
- Small pellets
Live foods: Bring out best color and breeding condition.
Male vs. Female
Strong sexual dimorphism:
- Males: Brilliant blue-green with red spots, aggressive
- Females: Dull brown/grey, rounder
- Ratio: 1 male to 2-3 females
Behavior & Compatibility
Semi-aggressive:
- Males territorial: Fight with other males
- Jumpers: Excellent jumpers, lid essential
- Active: Swimming all levels
- Short lifespan: 2-3 years typical
Good Tank Mates:
- Small peaceful fish
- Tetras, rasboras
- Avoid long-finned fish
Avoid:
- Other male killifish
- Long-finned fish (may nip)
- Large or aggressive fish
The “Annual” Fish
- Short lifespan: 2-3 years in aquarium
- Natural cycle: Adapted to seasonal pools
- Egg survival: Eggs survive dry periods
- Live fast: Mature quickly, breed young
Breeding
Fascinating breeding:
- Egg layers: Eggs in spawning mop
- Eggs can be dried: Store for months
- Rehydration: Eggs hatch when water returns
- Fry care: Feed micro foods
Dried Egg Method:
- Collect eggs from mop
- Dry on peat moss
- Store in cool, dry place
- Rehydrate to hatch
Tips for Success
- Keep 1 male with 2-3 females
- Provide spawning mop
- Feed live foods for best color
- Secure lid (jumpers)
- Short lifespan expected
- Eggs can be stored dry