Page 177 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

KILLIFISH 175

Austrolebias nigripinnis Cynopoecilus melanotaenia Simpsonichthys bokermanni
Black-Finned Pearlfish Fighting Gaucho Bokerman’s Cynolebias

ORIGINS South America, in Argentina and also in parts ORIGINS South America, occurring in both southeastern ORIGINS South America, restricted to pools close to
of southern Brazil and Uruguay. Brazil and northern Uruguay. Ilheus, Bahia, near the Brazilian coast.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
DIET Small live foods and prepared foods. DIET Small live foods and prepared foods. DIET Small live foods and prepared foods.
WATER Temperature 68–72°F (20–22°C); soft WATER Temperature 64–75°F (18–24°C); soft WATER Temperature 68–75°F (20–24°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
TEMPERAMENT Can be aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Aggressive toward its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Can be aggressive.
Mature males of this species are blackish with a Fins have The identifying characteristics of the Bokerman’s
variable pattern of iridescent greenish spots and a serrated edges Cynolebias are its greenish-gold body and blue
green band across the top of the dorsal fin. Females gill covers, with vertical blue lines behind. Pale
can be recognized by their light gray coloration. blue speckling is also apparent on the fins of
The base of the spawning tank needs a thick layer males. Females are duller, with a black spot on
of peat for spawning purposes. Store the eggs in the flank. These fish spawn in the substrate. As
moist peat in a plastic bag. They can be with other species, the peat carrying the eggs
returned to the water after two to three months must be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature
and may remain viable for up to three years. for about two months, before being returned to
A white throat plus two yellow bands along each the aquarium so that the eggs may hatch.
side of the body, separated by a darker stripe, are
defining features of this pearlfish. The top of the
body is brownish, with reddish-brown color on
the fins. Females are less brightly colored. The
quarrelsome nature of Fighting Gauchos means that
their tank must be well planted and have many
retreats; however, they can be housed safely with Male
unrelated fish. Pairs spawn on a peat substrate. Yellowish underparts
The resulting fry can be reared on brine shrimp.

Jordanella floridae
American Flagfish

ORIGINS Extends from Florida around the Gulf
Coast and down to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6.5 cm).
1
DIET Small live foods and prepared diets.
WATER Temperature 66–77°F (19–25°C); hard
(100–150 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Males are aggressive.
The deep yet narrow body of the American
Flagfish is decorated with a combination of bluish-
green and reddish-orange speckles; vibrant red
is displayed on the dorsal fin. The female of the
species can be distinguished from the male by a
blackish spot at the rear of the dorsal fin and her
generally duller appearance. Inhabiting densely
vegetated stretches of water in the wild, American
Flagfish require similar surroundings in their
aquarium; otherwise, they will prove to be
nervous tank occupants. Vegetable matter is an
important component of the diet of these fish, and
they will browse readily on algae growing in the
aquarium. Males will become quite aggressive as
the time for spawning approaches. The female
can produce up to 70 eggs, either scattering
them among the vegetation or burying them in
the substrate. The male will usually guard the eggs
for a week or so until they hatch.

US_174-175_Killifish.indd 175 29/08/18 4:09 PM