Killifish Egg Storage Guide — Diapause Management for Annual Species

Annual killifish possess the remarkable ability to survive as dormant eggs in dried peat moss for months. Mastering egg storage is a fundamental skill for killifish enthusiasts.

What Are Annual Killifish?

Annual species inhabit temporary pools in Africa and South America, following a cycle of rainy-season hatching, growth, spawning, and adult death during the dry season. Eggs survive dormant until the next rains.

Egg Collection

Boil and cool peat moss, fill shallow containers with 2-3cm of peat and tank water, introduce pairs (they dive into peat to spawn), and after 1-2 weeks, remove and gently squeeze the peat.

Egg Storage (Incubation)

Squeeze peat to "damp earth" moisture, seal in ziplock bags labeled with date and species, store at 22-25C in darkness, and open bags every 2 weeks for fresh air. Species require 2-6 months of diapause.

Hatching Trigger

After the diapause period, submerge peat in water at 24-26C. Hatching begins within hours to 24 hours. If unsuccessful, re-dry and retry — some eggs hatch on the second wetting.

Trade Killifish Eggs on Bri-Choku

Some Bri-Choku breeders sell killifish as eggs — easily shipped by mail from anywhere in the country.