I'm new to Killifish

[oneill074]

Hi,

I've never had Killifish before and I recently recieved some Simpsonichthys magnificus eggs.

All of them are either black or gold. I have them in a small dish with about an inch or more of water. Right now the water is at room temperature.
Am I doing ok so far? I would appreciate any help on hatching these eggs.
Thanks

Also, is this species annual or non-annual? Liveaquaria sells them and they say they are non-annual, but other sites list them as anuuals. This is the Liveaquaria description: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...catid=1890&N=0

[whuntley]

They are annuals, and no one I know keeps them in a 20G aquarium.

The eggs may not water-incubate properly, as they seem to need a drier diapause to develop. Storage on slightly damp peat is the usual method. When the eyes are clearly visible, with a solid gold ring around the pupil, it is time to dunk the peat into cool water.

The babies are small and considered pretty difficult to raise. You need good quantities of infusoria, green water, etc., until they are big enough to take vinegar eels and then baby brine shrimp. A big wad of Java Moss added to the hatch tank can carry enough living "stuff" to provide some of that first food.

They are not community-tank fish. They will shred each other as well as other tank inhabitants, particularly when in a breeding mood (all the time if well fed).

As I recall, they are peat divers, as contrasted with plowers, when breeding. A container of peat that is deeper than the length of the largest fish is needed. They like to dive vertically into the peat to spawn. I use a 5.5G tank for one pair. Multiple males will fight, unless raised together continuously.

Beautiful fish, but not considered a very easy species to keep going.

Wright

[oneill074]

Thanks for your help.