Profile Photo
Maximum size : 5 cm
Bluefin Killifish - Lucania goodei : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Bluefin Killifish is known for its striking appearance and ease of care, which makes them a popular choice among fish keepers. In addition, their peaceful nature makes them a great addition to community aquariums, and their small size makes them ideal for planted or nano aquariums. Bluefin Killifish would do best in a species-only aquarium; however, you can still keep them with other small to medium peaceful fish in a community aquarium. These tankmates could include Dwarf Barbs, Tetras, and Rasboras, as well as Corydoras and smaller Plecos. However, it would be best to avoid housing these fish with much more significant, aggressive or boisterous species; otherwise, they will easily outcompete them for food. Bluefin Killifish are active swimmers and prefer a densely planted tank with plenty of hiding places. They are a shoaling species and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals to prevent aggression and promote natural behaviour. These Killifish will also appreciate some surface cover from floating plants, and you must make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are fantastic jumpers. The body of the Bluefin Killifish is elongated and slightly compressed, with a slightly pointed head and a curved dorsal fin. The body colour is generally metallic silver or grey, with iridescent blue or green highlights on the upper half of the body, particularly on the dorsal fin. There is also dark shading on the dorsal and anal fin base, and some individuals also display yellow colouration on the top of the dorsal fin. The lower half of the body is generally a pale yellow or cream colour, with a dark stripe running along the sides. The caudal fin is transparent with a slight red hue on its base.Bluefin Killifish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
The sexual dimorphism of Bluefin Killifish is particularly evident during the breeding season when males become particularly colourful and display territorial behaviour. However, even outside of the breeding season, males are generally more colourful and have a more slender body shape than females, and their fins are more elongated and pointed. In contrast, females are generally less colourful than males, with a less iridescent body and shorter fins. Females are also typically larger and have a rounder body shape than males. During the breeding season, females may develop a slightly yellow or gold colouration on their fins and belly.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Lucania goodei |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1880 |
| Other Names | |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Fundulidae |
| Genus | Lucania |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 2 - 3 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | freshwater, Brackish |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 53 - 71 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 12 - 22 |
Natural habitat
Bluefin Killifish are native to the Chipola River drainage of southeastern Alabama and intermittently along the Atlantic coast up to central South Carolina in the southeastern United States. Streams and ponds with little or no current are home to these Killifish. These fish are often found in spring habitats, and they can also survive in moderate salinity and low oxygen environments, gulping air at the surface with their upturned mouths.How to breed the Bluefin Killifish
Breeding Bluefin Killifish can be relatively easy. They are egg-layers and can be spawned in a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The water temperature should be increased slightly, and you should lower the pH level to encourage spawning. After spawning, the parents should be removed from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 7-10 days, depending on the temperature, and you can feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp or other small live foods.Diet & feeding
Bluefin Killifish will readily accept most good quality dried foods in the home aquarium, 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. Additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as mini bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide other benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish. This fish is an omnivore in the wild, consuming some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods consider this 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.Other Killifish you maybe interested in
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
22 Killifish Profiles
View All