Least Killifish care guide
Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
The Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) is among the smallest freshwater fish in North America. Despite its common name it is a poeciliid livebearer, not a true killifish, and is native to the south-eastern United States.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Heterandria
- Scientific name: Heterandria formosa
- Common synonyms: Dwarf Livebearer
Habitat
Inhabits densely vegetated swamps, marshes and slow streams from North Carolina south to Florida and west into Louisiana, in soft to moderately hard, slightly alkaline water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 1.5-3 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- Water flow: none
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
A micro-omnivore. Offer crushed flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods (daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp).
Compatibility
A peaceful nano fish. Keep in a heavily planted small aquarium, either as a species-only setup or with other tiny peaceful species such as Boraras rasboras and dwarf shrimp.
Breeding
A livebearer with unusual reproductive biology: females give birth to a small number of fry every few days over an extended period (a strategy known as superfetation).