Killifish – mythbusting… and reasons why you should keep these small juvels.
Killifish are an interesting group of small to medium sized fish – that live in a diversity of biotopes across the globe.
Even though these fish are among the most colourful of all freshwater fish – they have never really reached the same popularity in the aquarium hobby as say tetras, barbs and cichlids.
There are several reasons for that, most of which are myths, that seems to be be hard to get rid of. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Myth number 1 – The name killi must mean that these fish will kill all other fish in my tank
Truth is, that the word killi is derived from the Dutch word kill – which means: well, small stream or creek – and refers to the biotope in which some of the first killifish was found. In reality these fish are neither more or less aggressive than most other aquarium fish.
Myth number 2 – Killifish are short lived – and will die after a few months
This is not entirely correct. Some killifish live relatively short, since the live in temporary ponds, that dry out in the dry season. These fish are called annual killis. Never the less, in the aquarium these fish might live a year or more.
Most of the killifish in the trade are non-annual killis, and the can live 3-4 years – just like most other small aquarium fish.
Killifish are jumpers, however – and if you don’t keep a tightfitting lid on your tank, they will find a way out, and live up to the myth anyway.
Myth number 3 – Killifish should be kept in small bare tanks with just a yarn mop for decoration and preferable without light
Killifish can be kept that way, and probably are by some breeders, who focus more on production than pleasure. But in my opinion these beautiful fish deserve better. Most of my killifish live in dense green underwater jungles with lots of mosses and floating plants, to dampen the light and provide hiding places for small fry. I do use yarn mops occasionally, when I want optimal breeding results. But if a group of plant spawning killifish are left in a planted tank, lots of fry will grow up in the tank.
Myth number 4 – Killifish will only eat live food
Life food is essential if you wanna breed killis, but that can be said for just about any aquarium fish. Most killifish will eat flake food and other conventional food forms, though.
Myth number 5 – Killifish are only for experts
Nah, I don’t think so. I’m no expert at all, buy I enjoy keeping and breeding these fish. As I’m sure you will as well.
Check out our other videos on killifish right here: Killifish
And our blogs on killis: https://aquarium.michaeljensens.com/c…
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