Bluefin Killifish

Lucania goodei is a small killifish that lives in the clear, planted spring waters and lakeshores of Florida. Its body is pale olive and carries a thick black line running from head to tail. The males' dorsal and anal fins are bright blue with black edges, and the base of the tail turns red-orange. It tolerates cooler water than tropical species and lives comfortably in unheated aquariums. It lays its eggs on plants for weeks, a few each day.

• At least 40 liters for a group of 4–6.
• Dense plants, moss and an open swimming area; good lighting.
• 20–24°C is ideal; a heater is usually not needed.
• A tight lid; 25% water change weekly.

Mainly omnivorous. It loves small live and frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, small bloodworms); it also accepts fine flakes and micro granules.

Peaceful and calm. In the breeding season males set up small territories and display to each other with flared fins. It may eat fry that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: small, calm fish suited to cool water: zebra danios, medaka, galaxy rasboras, dwarf corydoras; adult dwarf shrimp.

Avoid: large and aggressive fish, fin nippers, species that need constantly warm water.