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Killifish
IntermediateSmall beautiful fish found worldwide. Males display incredibly vivid colors like gems. Over 1000 species, popular with enthusiasts.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
1-5 years (varies)
Size
3-8cm
Diet
Frozen food, live food, pellets
About
Killifish is a broad term encompassing approximately 1,270 species of egg-laying cyprinodontiform fish found across Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and North America. In the aquarium hobby, the most celebrated group is the annual killifish — genera such as Nothobranchius (Africa) and Austrolebias (South America) — inhabiting temporary pools that dry up seasonally. These fish complete their entire life cycle within one rainy season, laying desiccation-resistant eggs in the substrate that survive the dry season and hatch with the return of rain. Most killifish are small (2–10 cm), and males display extraordinary jewel-like coloration in blues, reds, oranges, and yellows. The short lifespan of annuals (1–2 years) is offset by their rapid breeding cycle and the unique 'dry storage' breeding method: eggs laid in peat moss are carefully dried and stored for weeks or months before being rehydrated to trigger hatching. Water requirements vary by species — from soft, acidic water to harder, neutral conditions — but most prefer moderate parameters with a lean toward slightly acidic.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
freshwater habitats worldwide, including Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia
Lifespan
1-5 years (varies)
Size
3-8cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Diet
Frozen food, live food, pellets
Care Guide
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
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