No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Blue Gularis Killifish
Fundulopanchax sjoestedti
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
📍 West Africa
One of the largest and most colorful killifish species, native to West Africa, with males displaying stunning blue, yellow, and orange marbled patterning across the body and flowing fins. It is an annual killifish in the wild, reaching 4–5 inches; it is best kept as a pair or trio in a species tank and can be mildly aggressive toward other males.
Care Guide
Diet
Blue Gularis Killifish are carnivorous and require high-quality foods including frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live insects. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Supplement occasionally with quality carnivore pellets formulated for killifish.
Behavior
These are active, top-dwelling fish with semi-aggressive tendencies, especially males toward each other. Males display elaborate courtship behaviors with flared fins and vibrant coloration. They are best kept singly or as a bonded pair/trio, as multiple males will fight intensely.
Breeding
Breeding Blue Gularis in captivity is moderately difficult and requires species-specific setup. Provide fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or Riccia for egg deposition, maintain optimal water conditions, and separate pairs into dedicated breeding tanks. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro foods.
Tank Mates
Similar size and killifish temperament; can coexist if tank is spacious with adequate hiding
Compatible killifish but monitor for aggression; requires careful observation
Peaceful invertebrate that won't trigger predatory behavior and helps with algae control
Provides essential spawning substrate and shelter without competing for resources
Hardy plant that creates hiding spots and won't be uprooted by this active species
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against surfaces, rapid breathing
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, remove any sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28°C, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment as directed
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, torn fins
Maintain pristine water quality, perform 50% water changes every 2-3 days, use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment if condition worsens
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Blue Gularis Killifish to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)