INDEX
KILLIFISH
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THE FISH
Killifish (Pterolebias longipinnis)
(Longfin Killifish)
Pterolebias longipinnis
| HABITS |
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This species from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay is an 'annual' with a life expectancy of under 1 year due to the seasonal drying out of its natural habitat and the way it has evolved to counter this. As with other short-lived species, the need to reproduce the strongest possible progeny means that there is a lot of aggression in the males. If more than 1 male is to be kept, then a group of 3 or more pairs is advisable. Water requirements are around neutral pH (6.7 to 7.3) and temperatures between 63ºF and 72º
Text supplied by the BKA for more information about killifish, visit the British Killifish Association website at www.bka.org.uk
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| SIZE |
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These fish reach 12 cm, but can breed at half this size.
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| FOOD |
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In order to reach its relatively large size in only a few months, this fish will eat virtually anything as long as there is plenty of it! See recommended sera foods below
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FOOD
TYPES |
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| BREEDING |
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It is best to breed 2 females with 1 male in a 4 gallon tank having plenty of retreats and a plastic container with 3 - 4 cm of boiled peat in which the fish will spawn at temperatures in the upper range of those mentioned above. The peat should be replaced with fresh peat every week or so. To simulate the dry season, the removed peat should be gently squeezed until just damp and left on a sheet of paper to dry slightly for a day before being stored in a plastic bag for about 3 months. After this time, the peat should be placed in a tank with 3 cm of water and within 48 hours the fry should emerge. These will be small and require infusoria and microworm for the first week, moving on to freshly hatched brine shrimp thereafter.
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The Fish
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