American Flagfish Care Guide

The American Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) is a vibrant and popular choice among aquarists, characterized by its ease of care and stunning appearance. Native to Florida, these fish are appreciated not only for their uncommon yet vibrant patterns but also for their algae-eating capabilities.

Tank Setup

To provide an ideal environment for American Flagfish, it is important to maintain a well-balanced tank. Since these fish can grow up to 7 cm, ensure there is at least 20 liters of water per fish. As bottom dwellers, they thrive in a heavily planted tank, ideally with fine-leaved plants and plenty of hiding spots. Supporting their social nature, maintain a school size of at least 6 fish.

Maintain the water pH level between 6.0 to 7.5 and ensure the temperature is kept in the range of 22°C to 26°C. Use a reliable filtration system and perform regular water changes to sustain the quality of the water. Due to their moderate hardiness, they are not overly sensitive but benefit from stable environmental conditions.

Feeding

American Flagfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet. Offer them a mix of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Incorporating vegetable matter like algae wafers and color enhancing food will help maintain their vibrant colors. Feeding them twice a day with an amount they can consume in a couple of minutes is advisable.

Behavior and Compatibility

Generally, American Flagfish exhibit semi-aggressive behavior, becoming more intense during the breeding season due to their highly territorial nature. Despite this, they are mostly peaceful when placed in a large enough communal tank with compatible tank mates. When breeding, ensure conditions to minimize stress levels and oversee behavior closely to facilitate peaceful cohabitation.

Breeding Considerations

Breeding American Flagfish is relatively straightforward when conditions are conducive. Offer a planted environment with selected pairs showing vibrant coloration. During the spawning phase, monitor for increased aggression and consider removing adults post-spawning to protect the eggs. Once hatched, fry can initially be fed on infusoria and later given micro worms or freshly hatched brine shrimp as they mature.

Additional Information

With a moderate difficulty level and low maintenance requirements, American Flagfish are affordable for aquarists. Despite their moderate breeding aggression and highly territorial nature, they remain a popular choice for their ecological contributions in the tank environment and captivating coloration. To ensure well-balanced behavior and health, always cater to their environmental and dietary needs.