
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fundulopanchax gardneri
A West African killifish patterned with red spots on a blue-green ground and yellow-edged fins. Hardy and easy to breed, it is widely traded as an entry-level killifish.
Fundulopanchax gardneri is a killifish of the Cross River and lower Benue drainages from Nigeria into Cameroon. FishBase gives a total length of 6.5cm and Seriously Fish a standard length of 5.5cm. Males show red spots over a blue-green ground with yellow margins on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Seriously Fish recognises four subspecies, gardneri, lacustris, mamfensis and nigerianus, each with a distinct range. Aquarium conditions are 20-26C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 1-10dGH; Seriously Fish records no recommended tank size. Males are aggressive towards one another and, while a group can be held where there are enough refuges, the species does not suit a general community tank. Stock two or three females per male. Because its habitats fluctuate, it has evolved a switch or semi-annual strategy in which eggs survive drying yet also hatch when permanently submerged, and most forms are not difficult to breed. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Gardner's Killifish grows to 5.5-6.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Gardner's Killifish is 20〜26℃.
Origin
West Africa (Nigeria to Cameroon, Cross River and lower Benue)
Size
5.5-6.5cm
Temperature
20〜26℃
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: Fundulopanchax gardneri (Boulenger, 1911)
Synonyms: Aphyosemion gardneri
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.
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Frozen bloodworm, Artemia, prepared foods
Seriously Fish records no recommended size. Provide ample cover from plants and wood to reduce male aggression, and fit a tight lid because it jumps.
20-26C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 1-10dGH. FishBase records pH 6.0-7.2, 5-8dH and 22-25C in the wild.
Not suited to a general community tank. Males are aggressive to each other, so allow two to three females per male so no individual is singled out.
Largely carnivorous. Base the diet on frozen bloodworm and Artemia, supplemented with prepared foods.
Eggs follow a switch strategy, surviving drying yet also developing and hatching if left submerged. Let the fish spawn among plants or a spawning medium; most forms breed readily.
It jumps powerfully and often escapes through gaps in the lid. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Gardner's Killifish is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Gardner's Killifish typically reaches 5.5-6.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Gardner's Killifish feeds on: Frozen bloodworm, Artemia, prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Gardner's Killifish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026