Longfin Killifish (Pterolebias longipinnis) Care Guide
Pterolebias longipinnis is an annual killifish from the Amazon and Paraguay basins, with greatly extended unpaired fins in males.
Overview
Pterolebias longipinnis is a small annual killifish of the family Rivulidae, native to the Amazon and Paraguay River basins of South America. It is the type species of the genus Pterolebias. Males develop greatly extended unpaired fins, giving a flag-like profile. As an annual species, it completes its life cycle within roughly one year.
Taxonomy
- Family: Rivulidae
- Genus: Pterolebias
- Scientific name: Pterolebias longipinnis
Habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon and Paraguay River basins, including the Pantanal region. Members of the genus Pterolebias inhabit temporary swamps and ponds whose existence depends on seasonal rainfall and flooding. When these pools dry out the adults die, and the population persists as drought-resistant eggs buried in the substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
Pterolebias longipinnis is carnivorous. In the wild it feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. In aquaria it accepts live and frozen foods of suitable size offered around twice daily.
Breeding
This is an annual, egg-burying killifish. Eggs are deposited into the substrate, where FishBase reports an incubation period of about three months. The eggs undergo a diapause that allows them to survive the dry season before hatching when water returns.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Pterolebias longipinnis as Least Concern (assessed 14 December 2020).