Mixing Killifish?

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synecdoche

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Jun 20, 2009
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Hi guys! Been a while since I posted anything. But, er, I'm about to come into possession of a 30 gallon tank. Until now I've mostly kept bettas...and while I could put a betta in there (and he would probably be the happiest betta in all the world), it seems like I could do better things with the space...even with compatible tank mates like plattys.

So instead of a betta, I decided to shop around and see what kind of tank I might create. I love colorful fish, but it's too small for most cichlids.... but killifish...well, it would be a great size for them! And my god are they gorgeous! So many different kinds, too.

Unfortunately, I can't find a lot about them. They haven't really caught on like bettas have. Is it possible to mix different varieties of killifish in the same tank, assuming I match up the ph requirements and the like? I have heard they hybridize easily...but is that such a bad thing? Particularly since I'm not looking to be a breeder.
 
Unfortunately, I can't find a lot about them. They haven't really caught on like bettas have.
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the problem is many of them are annual meaning they live less then a year some even months. some of the ones that live longer do make into the hobby a little more then the others. your best bet would be find a breeder.

Is it possible to mix different varieties of killifish in the same tank, assuming I match up the ph requirements and the like? I have heard they hybridize easily...but is that such a bad thing? Particularly since I'm not looking to be a breeder.
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as long as you keep them in your tank it really shouldnt be too bad. a lot of people flip out about keeping the species line going but if you are not letting them out its not hurting anything.
 
Hmm. Duly noted.

For some species I see that they recommend only keeping one male to a tank. Is this for most killifish species? And if so, can you keep males of different varieties in the same tank?
 
Yes, you can mix species IF (and it's a big if).....

1. You do lots of research to ensure that you aren't mixing species from the same genus. In other words, get one species of aphyosemion (like australe or gardneri) and only one.

2. You do not mix two populations of the same species. For instance, don't get gardneri 'Misaje' and mix it with gardneri 'Biassa'. It's frowned upon as much as hybridizing different species.

3. You get species that are dissimilar enough that you can readily identify the females. The biggest issue with mixing species is that the females of most killifish are gray, minnow-like fish and you cannot tell them apart.

There are lots of caveats to this, and other considerations as well, but I don't have time to get into them all.

Also, yes there are a few species that work best if there is only one male in a tank because the males will fight like bettas. However, the majority of the common species don't exhibit this. Males will spar, but the sparring is more like dancing and displaying with no intent to cause harm or injury to each other. Stay away from the Blue Gularis, though, if you're concerned about males fighting. Generally for breeding purposes, you'd place two females and one male in a smaller tank. So, in that respect, most species breed best with one male in a tank, but it's not an absolute necessity.

Anyway, as an example of mixing species...I've had lampeye killifish with golden wonders and gardneris all in the same tank. I've also currently got a tank with clown killies and gardneris mixed together. If you aren't trying to breed the fish, then this kind of mixing is fine for display purposes. However, if you're trying to breed your fish, then I highly recommend you don't mix species at all, or at least, set aside a breeding tank that contains only 1 species at a time.
 
breeding is kind of the point of keeping killifish, for me atleast. They are soo easy and undemanding and the fry are super simple to keep alive. They will prob. breed without you doing a thing. Once you start breeding Killies there is no cure and youll want to keep trying harder species. Killifish and Loaches are my passion right now. Have fun and dont be afraid of experimenting, Killies are survivers
 
Out of curiosity, would a male Blue Gularis fight with the males of other varieties, or simply their own?
 
synecdoche said:
Out of curiosity, would a male Blue Gularis fight with the males of other varieties, or simply their own?
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Never tried it. Wouldn't recommend it. For one thing, the males are quite aggressive. For another thing, they're something of giants within the killifish world, and I imagine any significantly smaller species would eventually end up being an evening snack.
 
Ouch. Alright, so none of them. Or if I do, they definitely get a tank to themselves. Maybe with seperators, as I've heard the males attack females, too?

But anyhow, here's my current thoughts for the 30 gallon-

2 Bluegreen Lampeye
2 red/orange lyretail
2 Mamfe
2 Simpsonichthys picturatus
2 dwarf gourami.

I tried to find fish with good temperments...but being new to killifish, there's probably compatibility issues I'm not aware of. From everything I've read, though, dwarf gourami get along well with them.
 
Ideally, you'd start out with more than 2 of each killifish species. Partly to ensure yourself a chance to breed them. It's best to start out with at least 4 (2 m, 2 f) or 6 (2 m, 4 f).

Also, I'm not sure where you're located, but if you're in the US, you're probably going to have a hard time finding any of the annual South American killifish species. To get those, you'd probably need to order, hatch and raise the fish from eggs...and there's a good chance those eggs will need to be ordered from sellers in Europe. Besides that, Simpsonicthys are one of those species that I'd say you're better off doing species only and waiting until you have some killifish experience under your belt.

The Bluegreen lampeye is similarly a rarity (and an expensive one at that) in the trade. I don't believe it's water conditions and tank size requirements are a good match for you at all.

On the other hand, the lyretail killifish is ideal for beginners and very adaptable. So, that's a great choice for you.

The other consideration that I hadn't even taken into account before now is the fact that you really need to research what kinds of killies you can get your hands on. Most fish stores only carry Golden Wonders (if any) and sometimes you'll see gardneris, clowns, lyretails and perhaps a few others show up now and then. So, this means that often times, you have to buy online. When you buy online, you'll notice a disturbing lack of US breeders at sites like Aquabid or even the AKA auction site.
 
Yeah, I was planning on using aquabid for much of this. If I don't plan on breeding, do I still need more than a pair of each? Do they need the social dynamics of additional numbers? Also, do you have any more suggestions for good beginner killies? I'm particularly attracted to bright colors, although I of course realize that social issues between species comes first. And, as you say, availability in the US...or at least shipping to the US.
 
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