Species profile
Florida Flagfish
Jordanella floridae
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
75 L minimum aquarium
5–6.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Better treated as temperate/subtropical than permanently warm tropical. It is useful on algae but can nip fins and damage delicate plants.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–24 °C
pH
6.5–8.2
GH
5–25 dGH
KH
3–18 dKH
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Robust American killifish. Males can be territorial and fin-nippy, so avoid slow long-finned tankmates and provide planted visual barriers.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
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
3–5 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
75 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Jordanella floridae
Alternative names
Florida Flagfish, American Flagfish
Native range
Florida peninsula, USA.
Natural habitat
Vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and slow streams, including waters with seasonal temperature variation and moderate-to-high mineral content.
Diet & feeding
Algae and plant material plus small crustaceans, worms and insects; provide vegetable-rich foods with varied frozen/live items.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are more strongly patterned like the US flag and often show a darker dorsal blotch; females are plainer with a distinct flank spot.
Breeding
Substrate/plant-associated egg layer. Males establish territories and may guard spawning sites and eggs.