Species profile
Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–6.5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Colourful West African killifish; keep a male with multiple females, dense cover and a genuinely escape-proof lid.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6–7.2
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Males can be persistent and competitive, so maintain female-heavy groups with visual cover rather than cramped pairs.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Alternative names
Gardner's Killifish, Steel-blue Killifish
Native range
West-central Africa, particularly Nigeria and Cameroon, with locality forms across separate drainage systems.
Natural habitat
Small shaded streams, pools and swampy waters with vegetation, leaf litter and gentle current.
Diet & feeding
Micropredatory/insectivorous; thrives on varied small live and frozen invertebrates alongside suitable quality prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger and far more colourful with extended fins; females are smaller and comparatively plain.
Breeding
Eggs are deposited in plants, mops or peat-like media. Development commonly takes around two to three weeks under aquarium conditions.