Lagos Red Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos') – Tank-Bred

Species Overview The Lagos Red Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos') is one of the most colorful and beginner-friendly killifish available in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to West Africa, this beautiful species is prized for the brilliant red spotting, iridescent blue body coloration, and flowing finnage displayed by mature males. Despite their striking appearance, Lagos Red Killifish are remarkably hardy, readily accept prepared foods, and adapt well to established aquariums, making them an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of killifish. Unlike many annual killifish that have short natural lifespans and specialized breeding requirements, the Lagos Red Killifish is a non-annual species that can live for several years with proper care. Their peaceful temperament allows them to thrive in thoughtfully planned community aquariums alongside other small, non-aggressive fish, while their curious personalities and active swimming behavior make them an enjoyable species to observe throughout the day. Males display impressive courtship behavior when paired with females, making them equally rewarding for hobbyists interested in breeding. Every Lagos Red Killifish offered by Aquatic Arts is tank-bred, carefully quarantined, and conditioned before shipment to help ensure it arrives healthy and well adapted to aquarium life. Whether you're searching for a brilliantly colored centerpiece for a planted nano aquarium or your first breeding pair of killifish, the Lagos Red Killifish offers an exceptional combination of beauty, personality, and ease of care. What We Love About This Fish Brilliant red spotting and iridescent blue coloration make mature male Lagos Red Killifish one of the most colorful freshwater nano fish available. Tank-bred fish that are well adapted to aquarium life, readily accept prepared foods, and are an excellent introduction to keeping killifish. Peaceful temperament allows Lagos Red Killifish to thrive in carefully planned community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive fish. Easy-to-breed non-annual killifish that display fascinating courtship behavior and readily spawn in mature aquariums. Compact size, active personality, and striking coloration make Lagos Red Killifish an outstanding choice for planted aquariums and nano aquarium displays. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos' Common Name: Lagos Red Killifish Source: Tank-Bred Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm). Young Lagos Red Killifish adapt quickly to established aquariums and develop increasingly vibrant coloration as they mature. Average Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 Inches (6.4–7.6 cm). Their compact size makes Lagos Red Killifish an excellent choice for nano and medium-sized community aquariums. Care Level: Easy to Moderate. Lagos Red Killifish are hardy, adaptable fish that thrive in mature aquariums with stable water quality, a varied diet, and a secure lid. Temperament: Peaceful. Lagos Red Killifish generally coexist well with other small, peaceful fish but may display mild territorial or courtship behavior between males, especially in smaller aquariums. Diet: Carnivore. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and live foods to promote vibrant coloration, healthy growth, and breeding condition. Social Behavior: Best kept as a compatible pair, trio (one male with multiple females), or in a peaceful community aquarium. Multiple males can sometimes be kept together in larger, heavily planted aquariums with plenty of visual barriers, but some sparring and display behavior should be expected. Activity Level: Active. Lagos Red Killifish spend much of the day exploring the upper and middle portions of the aquarium while searching for food and interacting with tank mates. Aquarium Level: Upper to Midwater. Lagos Red Killifish naturally patrol the upper half of the aquarium and appreciate open swimming space beneath floating plants. Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A well-planted aquarium with gentle water movement and a secure lid provides an ideal environment, while larger aquariums are recommended for community setups or multiple fish. Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 Years with proper care, allowing hobbyists to enjoy their vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors for many years. Lid Requirement: Secure Lid Required. Lagos Red Killifish are excellent jumpers and can easily escape through surprisingly small openings. A tight-fitting lid or aquarium cover is essential for their long-term safety. Aquatic Arts Tip Lagos Red Killifish are one of the best introductions to the fascinating world of killifish because they combine brilliant coloration with relatively straightforward care. Keep the aquarium covered, provide floating plants or spawning mops for security, feed a varied protein-rich diet, and maintain stable water quality. These simple practices will encourage vibrant colors, natural courtship displays, and help your Lagos Red Killifish thrive for years. Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements Lagos Red Killifish thrive in mature freshwater aquariums with clean, stable water and plenty of plant cover. Although they are considered one of the more adaptable killifish species, maintaining consistent water quality is essential for vibrant coloration, natural breeding behavior, and long-term health. A secure aquarium with gentle water movement and floating cover closely mimics the quiet streams and pools these fish naturally inhabit. Water Parameters Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C). Moderate tropical temperatures promote healthy metabolism, vibrant coloration, and successful breeding. pH: 6.5–7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal, although stability is more important than achieving an exact pH. General Hardness (GH): 3–12 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water supports healthy growth and reproduction. Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2–8 dKH. Moderate buffering helps maintain stable water chemistry and prevents sudden pH swings. Ammonia: 0 ppm. Ammonia is highly toxic and should never be detectable. Nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrite should always remain undetectable in a healthy aquarium. Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (under 10 ppm preferred). Regular water changes help maintain excellent water quality and encourage vibrant coloration. Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A single pair can thrive in a well-planted 10-gallon aquarium, while larger aquariums provide additional swimming space and are recommended for community setups or breeding groups. Filtration: Gentle to Moderate. Sponge filters or adjustable hang-on-back filters provide excellent biological filtration without creating excessive current. Water Flow: Low to Moderate. Lagos Red Killifish naturally inhabit slower-moving waters and appreciate calm areas where they can comfortably feed and display. Oxygenation: Moderate. Good surface movement provides sufficient oxygen while avoiding strong currents that may stress the fish. Aquarium Maturity: A fully cycled, established aquarium is strongly recommended. Stable biological filtration and consistent water parameters are far more important than chasing exact numbers. Aquatic Plants: Strongly Recommended. Dense planting and floating vegetation provide security, reduce stress, encourage natural coloration, and offer spawning sites for breeding pairs. Lighting: Low to Moderate. Moderate lighting combined with floating plants creates a comfortable environment while allowing the brilliant colors of Lagos Red Killifish to stand out. Aquatic Arts Tip One of the easiest ways to help Lagos Red Killifish feel secure is by adding floating plants such as Amazon Frogbit, Red Root Floaters, or Salvinia. These plants diffuse bright lighting, encourage natural surface-oriented behavior, and often inspire more vibrant coloration and courtship displays. Pair this with a secure lid and stable water quality, and your Lagos Red Killifish will have an excellent environment to thrive.