No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Walker's Killifish
Fundulopanchax walkeri
Also known as Walker's Aphyosemion, Walkeri Killi
Animalia›Chordata›Cyprinodontiformes›Nothobranchiidae
Walker's Killifish is a small, colorful West African killifish prized for its vibrant red and blue coloration and relatively peaceful temperament. These annual killifish are best kept in species-specific or heavily planted tanks due to their specialized breeding requirements and preference for calm environments. They are moderately challenging to keep, requiring careful water parameter management and regular maintenance.
Where it's from
Native to the Agneby, Ankobra, Bandama, Bia and 11 other river basins
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger and Sierra Leone
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F
- 20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Walker's Killifish are carnivorous and require small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily. They may accept high-quality micro pellets but live foods are strongly preferred for optimal coloration and health.
Behavior
These killifish are relatively peaceful but can be territorial, especially males. They prefer to stay in the middle water column and are most active during dawn and dusk. They are excellent jumpers and require a secure, tightly-fitting lid on their tank.
Breeding
Walker's Killifish are annual killifish with complex breeding requirements. Breeding requires peat moss substrate for egg deposition and a separate breeding tank with cooler temperatures around 20-22°C. Eggs must be stored in moist peat for several months before being rehydrated to trigger hatching.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament, though males may show minor territorial behavior
Compatible killifish species with similar water parameter requirements
Very small, peaceful, and compatible with Walker's Killifish
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Small algae eater that won't compete for food or territory
Member photos
Photos 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 Walker's Killifish to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Velvet Disease (Oodinium), Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 24-26°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or treat with copper-free ich medication
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove any sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe, ensure proper nutrition
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Increase aeration, perform daily water changes, raise temperature to 26-28°C, treat with copper-free velvet medication, darken the tank
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Improve water quality immediately, perform daily 50% water changes, isolate affected fish, treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Walker's Killifish? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.