Florida Flagfish
Jordanella floridae
Synonyms American flagfish
Florida Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 5.5 cm (2.2 in) and swims in open water. It wants 64–86°F (18–30°C) and pH 6.5–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 54 L (14 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 54 L (14 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 64–86°F (18–30°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Florida Flagfish needs at least 54 L (14 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Axolotl and Oscar: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–86°F (18–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 54 L (14 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
64–86°F (18–30°C), pH 6.5–8.5.
How long does it live?
2–3 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Florida Flagfish | Black Ruby Barb | Adolfo's Cory | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5.5 cm | 5.5 cm | 6 cm |
| Min tank | 54 L | 72 L | 48 L |
| Group | 1+ | 6+ | 4+ |
| Temperature | 64–86°F (18–30°C) | 68–81°F (20–27°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumcoop.com
- What it eatsaquaticarts.com
- aquadiction.world
- fishlaboratory.com