Mixing Killifish?

[synecdoche]

Quoted from previous page for reading ease-

Yeah, I was planning on using aquabid for much of this. If I don't plan on breeding, do I still need more than a pair of each? Do they need the social dynamics of additional numbers? Also, do you have any more suggestions for good beginner killies? I'm particularly attracted to bright colors, although I of course realize that social issues between species comes first. And, as you say, availability in the US...or at least shipping to the US.

Additional question: is there a reason why so many aren't available in the US? I would hate to aid in the depletion of wild populations or any other ethical issues, if that's why.

 

[Khemul]

Depends on the species. Some have too short a lifespan. Some are native and thus not really interesting to a lot of people (happens with Sunfish too, you won't see a ton of them in stores in the US). For instance a store near me has had a Bluefin Killifish in the shrimp tank for two weeks. If anyone wanted that fish the store would give it away since they can't really sell it. But it is surrounded by more interesting fish and native to the area so anyone can net them out of the water if they want.

Non-native Killis arn't all that rare. Maybe not entirely common but talk to a manager at a local LFS and they could probably order a bunch in.

 

[digitalphrage]

Well, given your expectations...you'll most certainly be sticking to the live fish available in the U.S. (i.e. no eggs, nothing from Europe). This is immediately going to put a damper on what you can get your hands on, unless you have more luck than I in finding sources.

A few suggestions for great starter killies: a. gardneri, a. australe, golden wonders, clown killies, striped lampeye (not the rare/expensive one you mentioned earlier). You would need to pick only one of the aphyosemion species as they'll potentially hybridize. Also, I wouldn't mix the clowns with the golden wonders because the golden wonders are more than large enough to eat the clowns.

If you decide to buy from Aquabid, I can recommend Mademan -- not only does he typically have the best prices, his fish are also quite healthy.

Also, if you are really, truly certain that you don't want to breed these fish, then you can buy all males. Then there's no issue with mixing species (other than issues like Golden Wonders being big enough to eat Clown killies). If you go that route, sure, mix whatever species you want, and only get a couple of each species. Just keep in mind that most non-annual killifish species only live from 2 - 4 years, so you'll need to replace them frequently.

Granted, I do feel that you'll enjoy them more if you a) stick with a single species per tank and b) get at least 2 males and 4 females of that species. However, I totally understand if you want to stick with simply enjoying their colors for now without having to deal with raising fry.

 

[digitalphrage]

Quoted from previous page for reading ease-


Additional question: is there a reason why so many aren't available in the US? I would hate to aid in the depletion of wild populations or any other ethical issues, if that's why.

That's a question which probably has a very interesting answer, but unfortunately I do not know. However, for the most part, you shouldn't worry much about your aquabid or aka auction purchases causing any wild population depletion or ethical issues....the vast majority of what those sites offer are not wild caught, and the few that are wild caught are typically not very rare or protected.

 

[fishorama]

Killies have surpisingly big mouths, so beware mixing say golden wonders with clowns or gardneri. Think in terms of adult sizes, they don't name them toothcarps for nuthin'. And small females may "fit" in the category. My experience with killies is limited but watch out! A species tank may be much more enjoyable & sustainable. Say, different strains of a. gardneri or australes & see what happens than big & small of different species. There's a reason for species only tanks...

 

[synecdoche]

Good to know. Maybe I'll get a tank of males, then, if they get along. I might eventually get into breeding...but this tank will jsut be a show piece. I'm used fish living 2-4 years...that's about the lifespan of a betta, depending on water condition and temperature. What about the misaje? Not a good choice? I did see one or two sellers who offer it in the US.

 

[digitalphrage]

Good to know. Maybe I'll get a tank of males, then, if they get along. I might eventually get into breeding...but this tank will jsut be a show piece. I'm used fish living 2-4 years...that's about the lifespan of a betta, depending on water condition and temperature. What about the misaje? Not a good choice? I did see one or two sellers who offer it in the US.

In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with any variety of gardneri, be it gardneri 'misaje' or otherwise. Not only are they among the most colorful and active of killies, they're also very forgiving. In fact, my very first killies were a breeding trio of gardneri misaje, so they hold a special place in my heart. My opinion is, jump on the opportunity to get them now, while the weather is warm nation wide. If you wait too long, you'll find fewer sources willing to ship live fish (due to cold weather) or you'll have to pay insane shipping prices for heat packs, extra insulation and over night delivery.