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Killifish are small, often stunningly colored fish from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Some live in permanent streams, while others, like Nothobranchius, live in seasonal pools that dry up every year, so they have short lives and eggs that survive in the mud.
Because of their specific needs, killies are often kept in species-only tanks or with very calm tank mates. Males can be quarrelsome with each other, so a common setup is one male with two or three females.
- Lyretail killifish (Aphyosemion australe): a good first killi, peaceful and happy in a planted 10-15 gallon (40-60 L) tank with soft water.
- Golden wonder (Aplocheilus lineatus): a surface predator that will eat small fish and shrimp.
- Nothobranchius: annual killies that live around a year; best for hobbyists who want to breed them.
- Gardner’s killifish: colorful, hardy and adaptable to a range of water conditions.
Killifish are excellent jumpers, so a tight lid is essential. Most prefer gentle flow, dim light with floating plants and live or frozen foods; many refuse flakes at first.
Killifish
| Species | Min. liters | Size | Temp. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gardneri killifish Fundulopanchax gardneri | 11 gal (40 L) | 2.4 in (6 cm) | 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Golden wonder killifish (striped panchax) Aplocheilus lineatus | 26 gal (100 L) | 3.9 in (10 cm) | 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) | Easy |
 Lyretail killifish Aphyosemion australe | 11 gal (40 L) | 2.2 in (5.5 cm) | 70–77 °F (21–25 °C) | Moderate |
 Nothobranchius rachovii (Rachow's nothobranch) Nothobranchius rachovii | 11 gal (40 L) | 2 in (5 cm) | 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) | Difficult |
No species match those filters.