Fish
Bluefin Killifish
Lucania goodei
Origin: The bluefin killifish comes from the south-eastern USA (Florida and neighbouring states), where it inhabits clear streams, springs, and vegetated shallows with moderate to cool water.
Also known as: Bluefin topminnow, Lucania goodei
Fact sheet
- Size
- 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 3 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 18–25 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 6+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Top
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The bluefin killifish is a small, hardy North American fish with a dark longitudinal stripe and striking blue-red-yellow fins in males. Unlike tropical species, it prefers cool water, which makes it convenient for unheated and room-temperature aquariums. It is a peaceful schooling fish kept in a group in a planted tank. It is undemanding in diet and well suited to beginners interested in temperate fish. Males are brightly coloured, especially in the breeding season.
Appearance
The body is slender and elongated, up to 5 cm long. The base is olive-silver with a clear dark longitudinal stripe from head to tail. In males the dorsal and anal fins are brightly coloured — blue with red edging and yellow areas. Females are plainer and slightly larger. Male breeding colour is especially rich.
Care
A tank of at least 60 L with dense vegetation and open space. Temperature 18–25 °C (it likes it cool and needs no heater), pH 6.5–7.5, hardness GH 5–15. Clean water, gentle flow, and regular water changes are needed. It tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Feeding
An omnivore with a small mouth. It takes small flakes and pellets and live or frozen daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp nauplii, and small bloodworm. Feed once or twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish. It mixes well with other coolwater species, small rainbowfish, danios, and cherry shrimp. Large or warmth-loving tankmates are unsuitable. Keep in groups of at least 6 with several males.
Breeding
An egg-layer with prolonged spawning: the female lays eggs on fine-leaved plants or moss over several weeks. Remove the adults or let some fry survive in the thickets. First foods are infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii.
Fun facts
The bluefin killifish is one of the few North American killifish popular in the hobby. Its love of cool water allows keeping the species without a heater. The males' bright blue fins are especially striking against a dark background.