American Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) Care Guide

A small killifish-relative with males displaying a pattern resembling the American flag — red stripes on an iridescent blue-green body.

Overview

Jordanella floridae is a species in the family Cyprinodontidae. A small killifish-relative with males displaying a pattern resembling the American flag — red stripes on an iridescent blue-green body. Excellent algae eater, one of few fish that readily consumes hair algae. Subtropical species tolerating cooler water.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinodontidae
Genus: Jordanella
Scientific name: Jordanella floridae
Other names: Florida Flagfish
Origin: North America

Habitat

Jordanella floridae is a killifish from marshes, ponds and slow vegetated waters of Florida, United States. An omnivore with a strong appetite for algae, it tolerates a wide temperature range and males guard eggs laid among plants.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 18-25 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 5-20 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 4-6 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: White Cloud Minnow, Bloodfin Tetra, Corydoras
Avoid with: Long-finned Fish, Small Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: beginner