Why Aren't Killifish More Popular?
- Thread starter AquaticNovice
- Start date
I have always been a killi admirer myself. However here in Central Mo our water is definitely in the alkaline range over 7 and in some area almost into the 8,0 + pH range. Soil is the same. Being that most take slightly acidic water I have never attempted to keep them, always wanted to though!! They are some of the most beautiful FW fish out there. But, I have my mbunas and they will have to do since the water I have is favorable to them... nothing to do except add dechlor and make my water changes regularly.
Aimee
Aimee
Yep, I have three Golden Wonder Killifish. Here's the culprit aka Mr. Danio Eater.
I think there are innumerable answers to your original question, but I'm glad you posted it. The AKA is a great resource and their Killitalk emails are very informative. I have a pair of Fundulopanchax Gardneri Jos Plateau and a trio of Epiplaty Dageti. I think some of the most common misnomers about killis are that annuals only live for a year in aquaria and that they are demanding fish to keep. The annuals can live for 3-5 years, but in nature survive only until the dry season so tend to attempt spawning annually. Many killis stay relatively small and are great choices for smaller tanks, but are unfortunately not very widely available. Golden Wonders are great fish, but do get large and will eat anything that fits into their mouths. As far as feeding goes, I've found them to take everything I've offered (flake, bloodworm, mysis, brine, tubifex, blackworms etc, etc. These fish definitely deserve to be more widely appreciated IMHO. Thanks again for the post.
of course i just bought a pair of golden wonder killies and i missing a guppy. I have an idea as this is where it went. grr.
They are not as popular due to their jumping out of tanks and their extreme prices.
Aside from the golden wonder, the more beautiful killis go for around $60.00 a pair and some soon die after spawning. Some species are known as "annuals" and will only live for about 9 months.
Aside from the golden wonder, the more beautiful killis go for around $60.00 a pair and some soon die after spawning. Some species are known as "annuals" and will only live for about 9 months.
yea i came in after typing tht response and caught it in the act of chasing around another guppy trying to eat it. I moved it in with the convict temporarily. See how it likes that. lol
Two things... Join a local aquarium club. Auction prices for rarer species are very reasonable.
AND... "Annuals" do not die after spawning. That's a major "urban legend" and a big reason why these beautiful fish are not kept by alot of people. They do die yearly in the wild because the water goes away, but if continually immersed in an aquarium they live frequently for 3-5 years.
