Clown Killi Genetic Issues?

[kahjtheundedicated]

My clown killi colony dwindled due to a heater failure (got cold), but has started to bounce back. However, I noticed several of the new crop of male killis seem to have skinny under-developed needle-like caudal fins, making it harder for them to swim. I'm wondering if this is a genetic issue, since females don't seem to be affected. Any ideas? Should I remove males with the under-developed tails?

Under-developed tail left, more normal right (on the left there is a smaller male in front of a female. Wider tail rays are on the female)

Skinny tail male

Female (hard to see tail, but you can make out the rays. Appears fine)

Several males

[TheSwissAquarist]

On 11/15/2022 at 5:40 PM, kahjtheundedicated said:

My clown killi colony dwindled due to a heater failure (got cold), but has started to bounce back. However, I noticed several of the new crop of male killis seem to have skinny under-developed needle-like caudal fins, making it harder for them to swim. I'm wondering if this is a genetic issue, since females don't seem to be affected. Any ideas? Should I remove males with the under-developed tails?

Under-developed tail left, more normal right (on the left there is a smaller male in front of a female. Wider tail rays are on the female)

Skinny tail male

Female (hard to see tail, but you can make out the rays. Appears fine)

Several males

I would recommend removing them if you want the colony to keep looking as it did.

How are @tolstoy21s orange shrimp doing??

[kahjtheundedicated]

Thanks, and the shrimp are doing fantastic! Several berried shrimp, and I've seen a few shrimplets

[TheSwissAquarist]

On 11/15/2022 at 6:07 PM, kahjtheundedicated said:

Thanks, and the shrimp are doing fantastic! Several berried shrimp, and I've seen a few shrimplets

Good to hear that! I think there’s another ROAK for Apistogramma Baenschi (looks fun) if you’re interested 😉 

[TheSwissAquarist]

Any pics of the killis tank going??

[kahjtheundedicated]

Have to zoom in to really see any of the fish or shrimp

A few of the shrimps

Edited November 15, 2022 by kahjtheundedicated

[TheSwissAquarist]

On 11/15/2022 at 9:21 PM, kahjtheundedicated said:

Have to zoom in to really see any of the fish or shrimp

A few of the shrimps

Nice tank though!