Gardner's killifish
Aphyosemion gardneri
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–26 |
| pH | 6–7 |
| GH | 2–8 |
| KH | 1–4 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
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.