Nano killifish refer to the many small killifish species that remain under 2-3 inches in length. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for small aquariums under 10 gallons. They display an assortment of bright colors and patterns. Common types include peacock killies, clown killies, and Gardneri killies.
Introducing Nano Killifish
Nano killifish have elongated, slender bodies and unique rounded fins. They are famous for their irridescent colors and intricate patterns. Popular species like the peacock killifish exhibit striking blue, orange, and red hues while the Gardneri killifish shows leopard-like spots. Other nano killies display more subdued gold, tan, and brown tones. Their small size allows them to be comfortably housed in nano aquarium setups.
General Information
- Origin: Most nano killifish originate from brackish mangroves and freshwater streams of Africa or South America. A few species come from Southeast Asia.
- Size: On average, nano killifish reach 1-2.5 inches long at maturity. Smallest species like Boraras brigittae stay under an inch.
- Lifespan: 1-3 years generally, though some species like gardneri killies may live 4-5 years in optimal conditions.
- Temperament: Peaceful and shy. Nano killifish do well in community tanks with small, peaceful tankmates.
- Appearance: Slender, torpedo-shaped bodies. Shimmering scales in colors like red, blue, orange, gold, and more. Many display extravagant fins and finnage.
- Varieties: Peacock killies, pygmy killies, clown killies, heteromigrochromis red, gardneri killies. Colors range from bright blues to earth tones.
- Price: $3-$10 per fish on average. Rarer or wild-caught specimens can cost $15-$25.
Habitat & Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Slow moving freshwater streams, swamps, rice paddies across Africa, South America, and Asia. Soft, acidic water.
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallon tank, though 10+ gallons recommended. Heavily planted nano tanks under 5 gallons can work.
- Water Parameters: Temperature of 72-82°F, pH 4.0-7.0, soft water with very low general hardness (<5 dGH).
- Tank Setup: Planted tanks with dark substrate and floating plants provide security. Include micro caves and leaf litter. Dim lighting.
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on small worms, insects, crustaceans and aufwuchs in the wild. Offer live foods enriched with spirulina along with quality flakes/pellets.
- Feeding Habits: Forage constantly across all areas of the tank. Feed twice daily, offering only what they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
- Suitable Foods: Grindal worms, microworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, crushed flakes, micro pellets.
Breeding
- Reproduction: Most killifish are prolific spawners. Sexual dimorphism is apparent. Some species are annuals that live just one season.
- Breeding Requirements: Trigger spawning by simulating rainy season conditions – large water changes with cooler water. Provide peat mops or fine-leaved plants for egg laying substrate.
- Spawning Process: Fish scatter eggs which hatch within 7-21 days. Parents do not care for eggs or fry. Fry typically feed on infusoria initially before taking brine shrimp nauplii.
Common Health Issues
Susceptible to ichthyophthirius (ich), fungi and bacterial infections. Annual killies are short-lived. Ensure optimal water quality and varied diet. Use quarantine and appropriate medications as needed.
Preventative care measures include stable, pristine water conditions, nutritious feeding regimen, observation of fish behavior/appearance, and quarantine for new arrivals. Consult an exotic veterinarian about persisting health issues.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Peaceful by nature. Avoid large aggressive fish. Good tankmates include small rasboras, tetras, guppies, endlers, dwarf cichlids, and invertebrates.
- Special Instructions: Perform regular partial water changes using soft, acidic water. Provide plenty of live foods for optimal health and coloration. Use dim lighting.
- Legal Restrictions: None generally, though collecting wild specimens may be prohibited in certain regions. Most nano killies are captive bred.
Compatible Nano Killifish Tankmates
- Green neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Chili rasbora
- Pygmy corydoras
- Dwarf cichlids
- Least killifish
- Mosquito rasbora
- Dwarf shrimp like cherry shrimp
Differences Between Male & Female Nano Killifish
Males are more colorful and elaborately patterned compared to the plainer, drab females. Males are also slimmer in body shape while females appear slightly rounded when filled with eggs. Males may display aggressive territorial behaviors and fin displays during spawning activities. The differences vary somewhat between species.
“How many species of Nano killifish?”
There are over 1,300 killifish species, and at least a couple hundred nano-sized varieties. Many species yet to be described.
“How to feed Nano killifish to make their color brighter?”
Targeted diets with live/frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops enhance reds, oranges, and blues. Spirulina also boosts color.
“How Big do Nano killifish Grow?”
Between 0.75-2.5 inches long depending on exact species. Smallest species stay under 1 inch while larger may reach near 3 inches.
“How fast do Nano killifish grow?”
Most nano killies reach adult size within 5-8 months after hatching. Provide optimal feeding and rearing conditions for best growth rate.
“How long do Nano killifish live?”
Average 1-3 years, though some species can exceed 5 years in very favorable environments. Annual killies only live one season.
“How to take care of Nano killifish?”
Offer live foods, perform frequent small water changes using soft acidic water, provide plenty of plants/hiding spots, use low lighting.
“Which food products are the best for Nano killifish?”
Recommended foods include Hikari Micropellets, live baby brine shrimp, Golden Pearls, Walterworms, Cyclopeeze.
“Is good to keep Nano killifish as Pets?”
Yes, nano killifish are suitable for aquarists of all experience levels given their hardiness, small size, captivating colors, and peaceful nature.
“Why my Nano killifish die?”
Common reasons include poor water quality, improper diet, aggression from tankmates, disease, old age, or heavy metal toxicity for sensitive species.
“Are Nano killifish Aggressive?”
Most nano killifish are peaceful community fish, though males may show some aggression towards each other, especially during spawning.
“Do Nano killifish kill other fish?”
Healthy nano killifish are unlikely to kill tankmates. However, stressed, ill, or threatened fish could show atypical aggression. Ensure proper care and compatibility.
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