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Killifish

Explore all killifish in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 Fish Profiles

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Killifish
3.5 cm Peaceful

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.

Florida Flagfish

Jordanella floridae

Killifish
6 cm Semi-Aggressive

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.

Gardner's Killifish

Fundulopanchax gardneri

Killifish
6.5 cm Mostly Peaceful

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.

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

Killifish
10 cm Semi-Aggressive

A large, incredibly hardy, surface-dwelling killifish. The 'Golden Wonder' is a selectively bred bright yellow morph of the wild Striped Panchax. They are notorious predators with surprisingly large, trapdoor-like mouths; they will easily consume neon tetras, guppies, and dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful with fish too large to eat, but require a tight-fitting lid as they are expert jumpers.

Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)

Oryzias latipes

Killifish
4 cm Peaceful

A hardy, small, and colorful fish native to East Asia. Extremely popular in the outdoor pond hobby and nano aquariums. They are 'amphidromous' (tolerant of salinity changes) and can survive a wide range of temperatures, making them excellent tub/pond fish. They are surface dwellers that look best when viewed from above (top-down).

Largereye Lampeye Killifish

Micropanchax macrophthalmus

Killifish
4 cm Peaceful

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.

Lyretail Killifish

Aphyosemion australe

Killifish
6 cm Mostly Peaceful

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.

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

Killifish
4 cm Peaceful

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.

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

Nothobranchius rachovii

Killifish
6 cm Mostly Peaceful

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.