All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Kribi Killi

Fundulopanchax fallax

Also known as kribi killifish, fundulopanchax fallax, aphyosemion fallax, fallax killi, fp. fallax, フンドゥロパンチャックス・ファラックス, 法拉克斯鳉

A fairly large, sturdy killifish from Cameroon whose males show a blue to greenish body peppered with red spots and fins edged in yellow, orange or red. Females are plainer brown with fewer markings. Keepers value it for its strong colours and because it is hardier than many smaller killies.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

21 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.2

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with two or three females

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae; some take quality flakes or granules

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southwestern Cameroon (coastal rainforest streams around Kribi and the Lokoundjé and Nyong drainages)

Breeding

It lays eggs in fine-leaved plants, spawning mops or soft peat, and the eggs can either be left in water or stored in slightly damp peat for a few weeks before wetting. Breeding is not difficult for anyone used to killifish, though fry need very small live foods at first.

Good to know

Males can be rough with each other and with smaller fish, and this is an accomplished jumper, so use a tight lid. Look-alike Fundulopanchax species and different collection localities are often sold together, so keep strains separate and labelled.