Gardner's Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 15 gallons and 68-77°F. A colorful West African killifish with a blue-green body, red spots and a bold tail. Males spar with each other, so keep one male with a few females in a covered, planted tank with floating plants.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Fundulopanchax gardneri |
|---|---|
| Family | Nothobranchiidae |
| Origin | West Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon) |
| Adult size | 3 in |
| Minimum tank | 15 gallons |
| Temperature | 68-77°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, males squabble |
| Social behavior | One male with several females |
| Swim level | Top to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: live and frozen foods, small pellets, flakes |
| Typical lifespan | 2-3 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a lid on; killifish jump.
- Keep one male per tank unless it is large and well planted.
- Feed live and frozen foods for best color.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. 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