Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Also sold as Gardneri · Gardner's killifish · Steel-blue aphyosemion
Synonyms Blue lyretail · Aphyosemion gardneri
Gardneri Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims near the surface. It wants 72–79°F (22–26°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 2 or more, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 40 L (11 gal) |
| Group size | 2 or more |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 5–15 |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Gardneri Killifish needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- Keep 2 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- 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 72–79°F (22–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- A group of 2 takes up roughly 31% of what a 15 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Gardneri Killifish: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
2 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
72–79°F (22–26°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15.
How long does it live?
2–4 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: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Gardneri Killifish | Clown Killifish | Golden Wonder Killifish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 3.5 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 40 L | 41 L | 90 L |
| Group | 2+ | 8+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 72–77°F (22–25°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Shrimplets only | Yes |