
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jordanella floridae
A killifish named for the red and pale bars along its flanks, which suggest the American flag. Native to Florida, it grazes filamentous algae well. Males hold territories, so a community needs space and broken lines of sight.
Jordanella floridae is a killifish of the canals, ponds and sluggish streams of Florida. FishBase gives a total length of 6.5cm and Seriously Fish a standard length of 55mm. Males carry alternating red and pale bars along the flank, a pattern read as the American flag. It also enters brackish water. It is a micropredator taking small crustaceans, worms and insect larvae, but it eats filamentous algae and plant matter readily, which is why it is often introduced to control algae. Seriously Fish gives 18-30C, pH 6.5-8.5, 2-20dGH and a 60 x 30cm tank of about 54 litres, and does not treat it as a community fish. Males hold territories, so plants and spawning mops that break lines of sight reduce conflict. Spawning is continuous, the eggs being attached a few at a time to algae and other surfaces. A short-bodied balloon strain is also traded. The IUCN Red List has not evaluated it.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The American Flagfish lives 3-5 years.
The American Flagfish grows to 5.5-6.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the American Flagfish is 18〜30℃.
Origin
North America (Florida, United States)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Jordanella floridae Goode & Bean, 1879
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
5.5-6.5cm
Temperature
18〜30℃
Filamentous algae, Artemia, Daphnia, vegetable-based dried foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 60 x 30cm base of about 54 litres. Break lines of sight with plants or wool mops, and allow filamentous algae to grow.
Seriously Fish gives a wide range of 18-30C, pH 6.5-8.5 and 2-20dGH. FishBase records 18-22C in the wild, so it tolerates cool water.
Seriously Fish states it is not a community fish and recommends keeping it alone. Males hold territories, but two or more can share a tank if there is enough space.
It hunts small crustaceans and worms but also eats filamentous algae and plant matter. Offer Artemia and frozen foods alongside dried foods with algal or vegetable content.
It is a fractional spawner, attaching eggs a few at a time to algae and other surfaces by fine filaments. Sources disagree on parental care: FishBase states that males guard the eggs, while Seriously Fish denies that it digs pits or shows extended parental care.
FishBase describes it as easy to maintain. A short-bodied balloon strain is also sold, and buyers should understand that it is a line-bred deformity. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for American Flagfish is 18〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of American Flagfish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
American Flagfish typically reaches 5.5-6.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
American Flagfish feeds on: Filamentous algae, Artemia, Daphnia, vegetable-based dried foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of American Flagfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026