Growing a Passion for Killifish

There are so many species of Killifish, a sinkhole can appear for the obsessive hobbyist who wants to “try them all!”

I am working on 4x of them presently. Two Fundulopanchax, and two Nothobranchius.

Fundulopanchax scheeli (Emerald killifish)

These grow to approximately finger-length. They’ll spawn in java moss, but most breeders work with them using spawning mops. They do not do well in very warm water, preferring temps in the lower 70s. They can be fed a variety of foods. Females need enough fatty acids to produce roe.

Fundulopanchax sjostedti (Blue Gularis / Pheasant Killifish)

Mine are still very young — only ca. 3 months old. They grow much larger than the scheeli. Some report them measuring the length of an adult hand, from base of palm to finger tips. Omnivorous, they seem to do well on a meaty diet.

I made some spawning mops. I’m not very good at this, but my design is “adequate.”

The annual Killis I keep are short-lived, 8-12 months. They need tight lids, but can make it in small aquariums.

Nothobranchius guentheri (Redtail Nothos)

These are the easiest of the annuals. I got started with a trio from a tank-raised strain. They are soil / peat spawners. Eggs + peat are pulled every three weeks, air-dried, and saved for 8-weeks before being rewet.

Nothobranchius rachovii Biera 98 (Blue Nothos)

If you get a chance at these, don’t say no! Same process of keeping as the guentheri, but the eggs require a 6-month drying period. Chances are, breeders die before you hatch out a first batch.

I make little spawning jars…

Give Killis a try! Planning to bring some to auction off this year 2023.