Fundulopanchax filamentosus Care Guide
Fundulopanchax filamentosus, the plumed lyretail, is a West African killifish from coastal rainforest swamps, kept in soft, warm water.
Overview
Fundulopanchax filamentosus is a West African killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae, named for the filaments extending from the caudal lobes of males. FishBase records it at up to 5.5 cm total length and considers it very difficult to maintain in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nothobranchiidae
- Genus: Fundulopanchax
- Scientific name: Fundulopanchax filamentosus
Habitat
FishBase places the species in Togo, Benin and Nigeria, where it inhabits swamps and the swampy parts of shallow brooks in coastal rainforest.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L (about 13 gal)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase notes its natural diet consists of worms, crustaceans and insects, which can be replicated with small live and frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful surface-oriented species. FishBase describes a polygynous pattern in which one male spawns with several females, so harem groups suit it well. A tight cover is essential.
Breeding
FishBase describes it as a bottom spawner with an incubation period of about 1.5 months.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019), per FishBase.