A stunning, semi-annual killifish native to Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for being relatively hardy and an excellent 'beginner' killifish. They are notorious jumpers and require a tightly fitting lid. While they can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized, fast-moving fish, males can be boisterous and territorial.
Gardner's Killifish At a Glance
Gardner's Killifish Tank Requirements
Will Gardner's Killifish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Gardner's Killifish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Gardner's Killifish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Gardner's Killifish Water Parameters
Water care products
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Gardner's Killifish Temperament & Compatibility
Gardner's Killifish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Spectacularly colored with a metallic blue/green body, dense vivid red spots, and bright yellow/red fin margins. Males are fiercely territorial with each other and relentless in pursuing females. Best kept as 1 Male per tank, or in a large harem (1M to 2-3F).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Gardneri, Show Male
Female
Noticeably drabber than males, featuring a pale brown/tan body with sparse brownish spotting and clear fins. Much more peaceful. Should ideally outnumber males to distribute breeding harassment.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Female Killifish
Gardner's Killifish Care Guide Summary
The Gardner's Killifish, scientifically known as Fundulopanchax gardneri, belongs to the Killifish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Gardner's Killifish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Gardner's Killifish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Gardner's Killifish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Gardner's Killifish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include light plant coverage for partial shade, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Gardner's Killifish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Gardner's Killifish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Gardner's Killifish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Gardner's Killifish.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Gardner's Killifish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Gardner's Killifish will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner's Killifish
How big does Gardner's Killifish get?
Gardner's Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Gardner's Killifish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Gardner's Killifish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Gardner's Killifish need?
Gardner's Killifish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Gardner's Killifish peaceful or aggressive?
Gardner's Killifish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Gardner's Killifish live alone?
Yes, Gardner's Killifish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Gardner's Killifish safe with shrimp?
No. Gardner's Killifish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Gardner's Killifish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Gardner's Killifish benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and plants - lighly covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Gardner's Killifish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Gardner's Killifish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Gardner's Killifish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Gardner's Killifish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Scleromystax macropterus
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesApistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBengal Loach
Botia dario
Ideal Tank MatesBearded Cory
Scleromystax barbatus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Gardner's Killifish
These plants pair well with Gardner's Killifish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Crypt Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Cryptocoryne Lutea
Cryptocoryne walkeri var. lutea
Dwarf Crypt
Cryptocoryne parva
Fish Similar to Gardner's Killifish
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nothobranchius rachovii
A stunning annual killifish native to temporary floodplains in East Africa. Because their natural habitats dry up seasonally, they have a short lifespan (usually 8-12 months) and grow incredibly fast. They spawn by diving into soft substrate to bury their eggs, which then require a dry incubation period. Best kept in species-only setups with a soft soil or peat substrate.
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Poropanchax normani
A small, peaceful, schooling killifish native to Central and Western Africa. Named for the bright, iridescent blue/white crescent on the upper part of their eyes, which glows under aquarium lighting. Unlike many killifish, they are not annual and thrive in community setups. They are highly active swimmers and known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is required.
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
A striking nano killifish resembling a tiny rocket. Native to West African swamps, they have distinct black and yellow vertical bands. They are strictly surface dwellers (top-level) and are non-annual, meaning they live longer than annual killifish (2-3+ years). They are notorious jumpers and require a tight lid.
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
A highly popular and stunning African killifish. Unlike 'annual' killifish that die after a single breeding season, Aphyosemion australe is a 'non-annual' species that can live for 3+ years in an aquarium. They are notorious jumpers and require a tight-fitting lid. Best kept in heavily planted aquariums with soft, acidic water.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Micropanchax macrophthalmus
A peaceful, nano-sized schooling killifish native to West Africa. They are renowned for the brilliant, iridescent blue or green reflective spot on the upper part of their eye. Unlike seasonal killifish, they are relatively long-lived (2-4 years). They require well-established, densely planted aquariums and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Florida Flagfish
Jordanella floridae
A robust, deep-bodied killifish native to Florida. Unlike most killifish, they are primarily herbivores and are renowned for their ability to eat Hair Algae and sometimes Black Beard Algae. They are sub-tropical and thrive in unheated aquariums. They can be fin-nippers, especially if underfed or kept with long-finned tank mates.