
Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Family: Nothobranchiidae • Origin: Various
Gardneri Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is a semi-aggressive killifish reaching 2.5 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.
Is Gardneri Killifish Right for Your Tank?
Gardneri Killifish is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
Gardneri Killifish is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 4 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Gardneri Killifish
Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
Gardneri Killifish is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 2.5 inches
- • Temperature: 72-79°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Can be kept alone or in pairs
- • semi-aggressive temperament — choose tankmates carefully
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Nothobranchiidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Nothobranchiidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- top
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Nothobranchiidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi

Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae

Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Similar Species

Golden Wonder Killifish
Aplocheilus lineatus

Blue Lyretail Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri

Steel Blue Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus

Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius