Blackfin Pearl Killifish (Austrolebias nigripinnis)
There can be a great deal of skittishness and difficulty in caring for the Blackfin Pearlfish. Even so, it has an incomparable beauty when in top physical condition. Killifish add vibrant colour and activity to nano aquariums and planted aquariums.
As these fish are shy, you should carefully select their tankmates since they might be out-competed for food, so they'd probably do better with other fish of the same or similar size. Other peaceful fish such as Tetras, Rainbowfish, and Danios would be ideal tankmates for Blackfin Pearlfish.
Due to their schooling nature, Blackfin Pearlfish need to be kept in larger groups to remain healthy and happy. Keeping them alone can quickly stress them out. It is important to remember, however, that keeping two or more male Killis together can be dangerous since they can be aggressive. It is, therefore, essential to maintain a proper ratio of males to females.
A soft water aquarium with plants and bogwood is best for keeping these Killifish. Use peat filtration and gentle water movement to simulate the slow-moving waters these fish inhabit in the wild. These fish are excellent jumpers, so floating plants will provide some surface cover.
Blackfin Pearlfish are typically dark blue or blue-green in colour on their bodies and fins, with pearly white spots. Dark brown colouration is also present on the margins of the anal, dorsal, and caudal fins of males. On the females, there is an ochre or yellow-green colour mix with brownish stripes similar to the graining on marble.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrolebias nigripinnis |
| Year Described | 1912 |
| Other Names | Blackfin Pearlfish, Argentine Pearl Killifish, Dwarf Argentine Pearl |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Rivulidae |
| Genus | Austrolebias |
| Origins | Argentina |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 9-12 months |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | 1 - 8 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 64 - 75℉ 17.8 - 23.9℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Blackfin Pearl Killifish will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is simple to differentiate between the male and female Blackfin Pearlfish. The males have much more vibrant, and darker body colouration than the females and have dark edging on their fins, whereas females are much duller and lack the edge on their fins.