Gardner's killifish

Aphyosemion gardneri

Family : Nothobranchiidae

FishFreshwaterkillifish

Aphyosemion gardneri is a popular killifish in the hobby, recognizable by its metallic blue-green colors and red-edged fins.

Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
West Africa
Rivières ouest-africaines : Niger, Congo, Cameroun.

Description

Males reach up to 6 cm and display an iridescent blue-green body with red spots on the flanks. The unpaired fins are edged in bright red. Females are brownish with dark spots. This is an active, curious species that occupies the middle water column. In the aquarium, it enjoys soft, acidic water, abundant vegetation, and shaded areas. Reproduction is similar to other Aphyosemion: substrate spawning with dry incubation of 4–8 weeks.

Habitat

Region :

Freshwater streams and swamps, often acidic, with dense vegetation.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2226 °C
pH67
GH28 °dGH
KH14 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
40 L
Min. group
2
Adult size
6 cm
Lifespan
2 years
Temperament
Paisible, actif
Propagation

Care notes

Ideal parameters: pH 6.0–7.0, GH 2–8, KH 1–4, temperature 22–26°C. A minimum 40-liter tank for a pair. Varied diet: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, small pellets. Gentle filtration, moderate lighting. Floating plants recommended. Sensitive to nitrates (max 20 mg/L). Weekly 20% water changes. Compatible with other small peaceful fish (neon tetras, small corydoras). Avoid fast or aggressive species.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References