Blue Gularis Killifish (Fundopanchax sjostedti) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 68-76°F. One of the largest and most colorful killifish, the male has a blue body with red markings and fan-shaped fins. It hunts small tankmates, jumps well, and needs a long, covered, softer-water tank with floating plants.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Fundopanchax sjostedti |
|---|---|
| Family | Nothobranchiidae |
| Origin | Niger Delta and southwestern Cameroon, West Africa |
| Adult size | 4-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 68-76°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.2 |
| Temperament | Active, will eat small fish; males fight |
| Social behavior | Pair or trio in a 20 gal or larger |
| Swim level | Upper |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: live and frozen foods, brine shrimp, bloodworms, large flakes |
| Typical lifespan | 2-3 years |
Quick tips
- Use a tight lid; gularis are strong jumpers.
- Keep only one male per tank.
- Do not house with fish small enough to eat.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi