Red-seam Killifish Care Guide

The Red-seam Killifish is a captivating aquatic species that demands moderate care but is a delight to watch and maintain in your aquarium. They are known for their moderate hardiness and popularity among aquarium enthusiasts. To ensure your Red-seam Killifish thrives, it is essential to understand their care needs, feeding habits, and tank setup requirements.

Care and Maintenance

The Red-seam Killifish is moderately hardy and classified under the moderate difficulty level for aquariums, providing a manageable challenge for aquarists. Since they are slightly more aggressive during breeding, careful attention is needed at this time to ensure harmony within the tank.

The ideal water conditions for these fish include a pH range of 6 to 8. They thrive in water temperatures between 15°C and 37°C. Regular monitoring of water conditions and timely water changes are recommended to maintain a conducive environment. The Red-seam Killifish requires a minimum tank volume that provides at least 5 liters of water per fish to ensure they have enough space to thrive.

Tank Setup

A suitable tank habitat for this species encompasses all levels of the tank; they are surface dwellers, mid-tank dwellers, and bottom dwellers. This diverse habitat preference implies that providing plenty of swimming space, along with adequate hiding spots, enriches their tank environment. Decorations such as plants, rocks, and driftwood not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium but also help in reducing aggression by providing territories for each fish.

As the Red-seam Killifish exhibits moderately territorial behavior, maintaining a school size of at least six individuals will help mimic their natural social structure and decrease territorial aggression. It is important to note that they have a semi-aggressive temperament.

Feeding

The Red-seam Killifish has a varied diet that includes a mix of commercial and live foods. Provide a combination of flakes, pellets, and algae wafers for their staple diet. Additionally, offering live or frozen food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, Daphnia, tubifex worms, and micro worms will enhance their nutritional intake and boost color vitality, contributing to their overall health. Consider adding vegetable matter and color-enhancing food to the diet to further support their wellbeing.

Social Behavior and Compatibility

While generally social, the Red-seam Killifish may display semi-aggressive tendencies, particularly during breeding. It is advisable to monitor interactions closely and adjust the tank dynamics if aggression escalates. Suitable tank mates are those that are equal in size and temperament to prevent any harmony disturbances.

The key to maintaining a healthy and vibrant Red-seam Killifish is understanding their specific needs and providing a well-maintained habitat with diverse feeding options. With diligent care, this moderately rare and semi-aggressive fish can be a fascinating and rewarding addition to any aquarist's collection.