Steel Blue Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus
Family: Nothobranchiidae • Origin: Various
Steel Blue Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus) is a semi-aggressive killifish reaching 2.5 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 10 gallons.
Is Steel Blue Killifish Right for Your Tank?
Steel Blue 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.
Steel Blue 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: 3 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Steel Blue 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
Steel Blue 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"
- • Temp: 72-79°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Can be kept alone
- • semi-aggressive temperament
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet for Nothobranchiidae.
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
- 3 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
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
Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Blue Lyretail Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius