Fundulopanchax Filamentosus

Fundulopanchax filamentosus takes its name from the thread-like rays extending from the males' anal fin. Its bluish body is decorated with red-brown spots and short bars. In the wild it lives in swamps and pools that shrink or dry out in the dry season, which makes it a semi-annual species. The eggs are laid in the peat on the bottom and hatch when placed in water after being stored in damp peat for 4–8 weeks. In the aquarium it usually lives one and a half to two years.

• A species tank of 30 liters or more for one male and two females.
• A thin layer of peat on the bottom or a container filled with peat; dense plants and dim light.
• 22–25°C, soft and slightly acidic water; an air-driven sponge filter.
• A tight lid is essential; 25% water change weekly.

Carnivorous. It should be fed live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and daphnia. It takes dry food reluctantly.

Males are quarrelsome with each other; they may also chase the females hard. It should be kept with its own species or with very calm small fish.

Good companions: females of its own species; if desired, calm bottom dwellers such as dwarf corydoras.

Avoid: other Fundulopanchax species (hybridization), fin nippers, large fish.