Bluefin Killifish (Lucania goodei)

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Bluefin Killifish

Lucania goodei.jpg
Bluefin Killifish

Lucania goodei

19 Litres (5 US G.)

4-6 cm (1.6-2.4")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 8

10 -28 °C (50-82.4°F)

3-15 °d

1:2-3 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Fundulidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Bluefin Killifish, Bluefin Topminnow, Bluefin Killie


Origin[edit]

North America: throughout Florida, except in panhandle only as far west as Choctawhatchee River drainage; sporadically along Atlantic Coast as far north as central South Carolina (where possibly introduced); southeastern Alabama in Chipola River drainage. Found in virtually every habitat in that range that is not a raging torrent.

Sexing/reproduction[edit]

Males have brightly colored dorsal fins, usually blue (though other colors exist naturally), while females have clear fins. This species will start to lay eggs at temperatures above 60 fahrenheit but will be most prolific in the mid 70's, often spawning daily if well conditioned and depositing most of the eggs in vegetation or spawning mops near the top of the tank. Some fry may survive alongside the parents if the tank has ample cover, but for maximum production the eggs should be moved to another tank. The fry usually hatch in about 2 weeks depending on temperature; they are fairly small at birth and need infusoria for the first few days before they will take baby brine shrimp or microworms.

Tank compatibility[edit]

A peaceful killifish that can be mixed with other relatively small subtropical/cold water fish; they could also be mixed with tropicals in view of how warm their natural range is. These killies are somewhat skittish and will behave more confidently if dither fish are present. Males are not particularly hard drivers and male:female ratios are thus not as critical as in many other killifishes.

Diet[edit]

Will often accept flake but, like most fish, does better if fed live or frozen foods regularly.

Feeding regime[edit]

Once or twice a day, nothing unusual.

Environment specifics[edit]

Not a particularly picky species as long as cover is provided; these relatively shy killies work well in planted tanks. No heater is required in most homes, and they could be kept outdoors during the summer in many regions; they do prefer neutral or hard water, though. Like most killifishes, a secure lid is strongly recommended.

Notes[edit]

This species occasionally appears as a contaminant in feeder fish/shrimp shipments, as they are present in Florida where many of these feeder animals are aquacultured; they are also offered commercially by vendors specializing in North American fishes. Regardless of where they are sourced from, this is a good introduction to both killifishes and North american fishes, being small, hardy, and undemanding.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]