Killifish - Aphyosemion Australe Chocolate

[Bloo]

A while ago I became the owner of some Killifish - rather nervously as I never kept them before and wasn't sure if they'd adapt well to the harsh London waters when they came from much softer Irish waters - by mail even.
The 3 males and 1 female have actually been doing really well over the past few weeks or so.

Here are a couple of the males

 

[Puffer_freak]

Beautiful fish! And great photos of them too!

When (if) I set up a new tank, it'll either be for these or dwarf puffers!

 

[BigC]

Still got them then Bloozoo.....I'll say it again and dont take it harshly, dim lighting (floating plant cover, Salvinia) and a dark substrate and you will be even more amazed at their beauty, I can guarantee it. I once showed a breeders team 3males and 3 females in the Yorkshire Aquarists Festival, I left other people in charge, to get the tank ready etc. as I could not make it to the venue on setting up nights. When I visited on a public viewing day (Sunday) the fish were washed out, the lighting was too strong and the substrate was inadaquate. Try doing as I have said and see for yourself. (then send in the pics)
BTW What are you feeding them on?
Regards
BigC

 

[Bloo]

Thanks BigC - no I won't take any advice from a Killi expert harshly at all !
I am very aware about the lighting and I do really want to move them to another tank - what would the smallest be they (as a group) could comfortably live in ? I have a cunning "plan" but just haven't been able to really do much about it I really like them a lot and they are lovely little fish.

They are on a mixture of flake food and also frozen (thawed) bloodworm a couple of times a week and live bloodworm every few weeks. I have another frozen food which is a mix of all sorts - not entirely sure what though and they get some of that once in a while too. Anything else that would make them happier ?

 

[BigC]

what would the smallest be they (as a group) could comfortably live in

A good standard sized tank (can be bought over the counter) for a group of killifish that size, to be maintained on a long term basis (not a breeding setup) is 18"x10"x10". dont forget the tight fitting lid/coverglass though.
Your feeding regime is OK.
Nice to see them again. The only reason I suggested the changes to you is that I have a sexed trio (breeders) from the same batch of eggs in a dimmer setup and their colours are amazing and it would seem a crying shame if you did not experience this sight for yourself.
Regards
BigC

 

[Bloo]

Fabulous ! I have just such a tank in the loft - it might be a tad longer though. Within the next few weeks I'll set it up and get them over in there. Watch this space......

I think they look pretty amazing already, but if you say they can only improve in the right setup, I can't wait !

 

[BigC]

Go for it Bloozoo.!! You'll see..
Dig them tanks outta the loft, they're no good up there.
Regards
BigC

 

[Annastasia]

Gorgeous Killies, Bloozoo! Great pictures too!

I can't get over the coloring...so pretty.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

they are fantastic bloo!

i wnat one!!!! lol who did u get them form? and any chance urs may breed

 

[Bloo]

Thanks Puffer_freak, Annastasia & One_Trick_Pony. I actually got these lovely fellas from Big C
Well at the moment my water conditions aren't right for them to breed and they need a much lower pH / softer water than I have at the moment. Hopefully I can achieve that in a different setup for them.
But from what I understand, they might well at the moment lay eggs but they won't hatch But it certainly is not my intention to breed them. If in the right setup they choose to do so then great. But as a very inexperienced Killi keeper I no such hopes just yet.


But I'll certainly report back if anything happens !

 

[zig]

I love killifish, these are great looking fish bloozoo great shots as well.

 

[CluelessScot]

Thats the first time ive seen these fish... making me rething my stock list now. how well do these fish get on with corys and Bolivian rams?
im off to do some research!!

Kev

 

[Ethos]

Georgous!
Love Killie fish...all the ones I want are like over $100, way more that what I'm willing to spend a a couple.

 

[BigC]

all the ones I want are like over $100

I'll sell you some at that price, in fact I'll sell you loads.

 

[George Farmer]

Wonderful fish and photography. I'm very impressed.