Mirabilis Killifish

Fundulopanchax mirabilis

📍 West Africa

Fundulopanchax mirabilis, commonly known as the Mirabilis Killifish, is a stunning West African annual killifish prized for its vibrant coloration and relatively manageable care requirements. Males display brilliant blue and red patterns with distinctive fin extensions, making them highly sought after by killifish enthusiasts. These fish are best kept in species-specific or carefully selected community setups due to their predatory nature toward smaller fish.

Size2.5"

Min Tank20g

semi-aggressive

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Mirabilis Killifish are carnivorous and require high-quality live or frozen foods including small insects, mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. They may occasionally accept high-quality micro pellets but prefer live foods for optimal coloration and health.

Behavior

These killifish are active swimmers that prefer densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Males are territorial and may display aggressive behavior toward each other and smaller fish, making them best kept singly or in pairs with careful observation. They are surface feeders and exhibit fascinating hunting behaviors, darting quickly to capture prey.

Breeding

Mirabilis Killifish are annual killifish that breed in peat moss or fine sand substrates, with eggs requiring a drying period of several weeks to months before rehydration triggers hatching. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires dedicated setup with separate breeding tanks, careful water parameter management, and patience during the egg incubation phase. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

May be predated upon; only suitable in larger tanks with dense vegetation

caution

Cardinal Tetra

Risk of predation; requires careful monitoring

caution

Otocinclus

Bottom dweller that avoids competition; peaceful coexistence possible

good

Amano Shrimp

May be hunted; best in heavily planted tanks

caution

Java Fern

Provides essential cover and does not interfere with fish

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant offering shelter without being consumed

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 26-28°C (79-82°F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or treat with copper-free ich medication following label directions

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality through increased filtration and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication, remove any sharp tank decorations causing injury

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, scratching behavior

Treatment

Increase aeration and temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily 25% water changes, treat with copper-based medication or formalin following instructions, darken tank to reduce stress

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, ulcers, cloudy eyes, torn fins, behavioral changes, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 50% water change, improve water quality and tank conditions, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible, maintain optimal water parameters