Killifish Australia

Country of Origin: Many
Size: Small
Also known as:  Killies, Pupfish and Mummichog
Males and Females: Length: 2.5-5 cm
Care Requirements: Easy
Lifespan: 1-3 Years
Best Suited as:  Natural Habitat (wild) and Pets

You do not have to fear the Killifish – they are not killers.  The term "Killie" comes from the Dutch word meaning ditch or channel and describes various small, mainly oviparous (egg-laying) cyprinodont fish.

Appearance
The Killifish describes a large species – about 1270 altogether.  The biggest family is called the Rivulidae, which contains more than 320 species. All the Killifish species are small tooth carps belonging to the order Cyprinodontiformes.  Many have brilliant colors, which make a lively addition to any aquarium.

Natural Habitat
Killifish are found mainly in fresh or brackish waters in all parts of the world except for Australia, Northern Europe and the Antarctic. They are most commonly found in North and South America, southern Europe, Africa, in the Middle East, Asia and on several islands in the Indian Ocean. Because this group of fish is so diverse, they are often classified into three distinct groups: non-annuals, semi annuals and annuals. The annuals generally live no longer than nine months in can be found in ponds and swamps. They have been studied in aging research due to their unusual nature. The semi-annuals live for a longer period of time by retaining water during dry seasons. The non-annuals are the longest living because they make their permanent homes in bodies of water.

Killifish live close to shore and generally stay within ninety-one meters of the shoreline. Being stranded during a receding tide is not such a big deal for them because they can live in tide pools and puddles in the meanwhile. When those dry up, Killifish have the ability to flop head over tail for several meters to reach more water.  In the winter, these innovative fish can be found covered in up to 20 cm of mud inside tidal creeks.  

Some Killifish species travel in schools, but must form smaller groups where one male travels with a group of females.  They are all omnivores and prefer phytoplankton, mollusks, crustaceans, mosquito larvae, and dead fish.

Care and Diet
Killifish are versatile eaters and can live on a variety of diets. Some will feed on insects, insect larvae, and worms while others like plankton or other fish.  Most prefer live food, but many do well with frozen or prepared food. Research the variety of Killifish you are keeping to know what yours species likes best.

Killies are easy to care for and even a novice fish owner can keep them alive and healthy. They do well in a variety of environments including small and large tanks and bowls. The depth of the water is not overly important because most Killifish live in shallow water in the wild. If you do house your Killie in a smaller container, make sure you have a tight fitting lid so they do not jump out.  You should not place more than one male in the same tank because their natural instinct is to fight each other. Males can be kept with two to three females.

Health and Reproduction
Killifish are easy to reproduce and like seeds, the eggs can be sent by mail without water. Ordering Killifish online in extremely popular, as they are popular among aquarists, but not easy to find in your local pet store.  Make sure you order your Killifish from a reputable breeder.

If you plan to breed your own Killifish, you need to be aware of the Killifish’s remarkable rearing techniques.  Killifish like to bury their eggs in peat and any breeding tank needs 5-6 centimeters of peat at the bottom to satisfy this requirement.  After spawning, the eggs need to be pressed (to remove any water) and placed in a plastic bag or small container with some moist peat at room temperature.  Leave the container for a month and a half and then hatch the fry in a small holding tank of water.

Suitability as a Pet
Around the beginning of the 20th century, Killifish became popular pets and were imported to Europe to live in aquariums.  Fish fanciers loved their exotic look and their low maintenance care.

While there are many varieties of Killifish, most will do well in a tank or aquarium. Research each type of Killifish before you chose your specimen so that you know the best environment and diet for your fish. Take care to buy them from breeders with good reputations. Internet scams exist where people who claim to be breeders promise to send you eggs that are either not Killifish or that do not hatch.