Nigerian Killifish

Fundulopanchax nigerianus

Family : Nothobranchiidae

FishFreshwaterkillifish

The Nigerian Killifish is a small, brightly colored fish highly prized by specialized aquarists. It requires soft, acidic water and live food.

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Vulnerable

Biotope

West Africa

Rivières ouest-africaines : Niger, Congo, Cameroun.

Description

Fundulopanchax nigerianus reaches about 5 cm. Males display a complex pattern of red, blue and yellow spots on a brownish-green background. Females are duller. This killifish is a bottom-dweller that enjoys dense vegetation. It is known for its ability to jump out of the water. In the aquarium it is peaceful but can be shy. Reproduction occurs by spawning on peat substrate.

Habitat

Region :

Tropical forest swamps and streams

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–26 °C

pH6–7

GH5–15 °dGH

KH2–8 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

3/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

40 L

Min. group

Adult size

5 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Care notes

Keep this killifish in a minimum 40 L tank with a tight lid. Water should be soft (GH 5-15, KH 2-8), acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) and at 22-26°C. Gentle filtration is recommended. Provide a varied diet of live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms). Plant the aquarium densely with mosses and roots. Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates. A pair or small group is ideal. Perform 20% weekly water changes.

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