I need to talk Killifish, NERMs

[Fish Folk]

I have tried, with varied success, to be a “Guppy Guy,” a “Betta Breeder,” a “Discus Dude,” and even an “Apisto Artisan.” I love NANF — and will gladly admit to being a “NANF NERM.”

But the fish that keep turning my head are Killis. I’m beginning to own the title of “Killi Keeper” with increasing passion.

Several years ago, a fellow fish club member offered a trio of Killis in exchange for a gift of Brilliant Rasboras my son had bred and raised. They were Fundulopanchax scheeli.

I totally fell down a NERM-hole over those. From the initial three fish, I bred and grew out an entire colony.

We sold them off, but saved a few young ones. Now I’m starting with these again. Here’s my young male, raring to go.

F. scheeli are not annuals. They live awhile. Like their chunkier cousins the F. gardneri, they can find a place in certain community tank setups.

But in the last year, I did tackle Annuals. They live in wild bursts of desire — only 6-18 months. After some misfires, I  managed to breed and hatch out a lively little batch of Nothobranchius guentheri.

After the Christmas shipping crunch, I’ll probably be selling a few pairs. They’re short-lived. So breeding is a must.

What really hooked me on annuals was the Nothobranchius rachovii. I finally got some from a Killi breeder driving through my area. No words can convey the vibrancy of these colors properly.

But one must be very patient. These may well die before you can hatch their eggs. The eggs must go through a protracted dry season. I will begin trying to hatch my eggs I pulled from these in February, 2023. 

Just last week, I bought a pair of Fundulopanchax sjostedti. Today, I was thrilled to catch them gorging on Bug Bites Tropical formula. Long wait — they’re only 2-months old — but looking forward to breeding these.

Now, as if to taunt me, YouTube has cued up another stunning Killi for me to absolutely fixate on. Check out these Aphyosemion striatum gems…

They look like … Zebra Danios on LSD! And honestly, not hard to breed at all.

I don’t even know how to process this…

What makes this worse is that I know exactly where to get a top notch breeding group of the golden-morph Aphyosemion australe. And they’re so vibrant…

Add to this other sensory overloads from stunning New World killis like the Austrolebius nigripinnis…

Bottom line… I think I’m called-out. Wish I could say I’d be able to resist, but I think I’m on an inevitable cycle that ends in Killis.

They’re great for small aquariums. And nothing their size competes well for nuanced color combined with interesting personality.

I do admire other fish I’ve kept and bred! But strangely enough, Killis keep coming back to the front burner.

Hope some of you will get intrigued. I’m really going to have some to sell before long…

Edited December 20, 2022 by Fish Folk

[Schuyler]

On 12/19/2022 at 8:28 PM, Fish Folk said:

What makes this worse is that I know exactly where to get a top notch breeding group of the golden-morph Aphyosemion australe. And they’re so vibrant…

This is one that I want to try. I guess they are one of the easier species to breed. That one almost like like it's on fire!

My problem with killis is that I can never talk about them in person because I never know how to pronounce their names. Like is N Rachovii pronounced rack-oh-vee-eye or rach-oh-vey?

My dream really is to find a configuration of species that have similar care requirements but won't interbreed (different genera). So far I'm looking at N Rachovii, A Australe, and maybe a Florida Flagfish. I think clown killis would get eaten...

I know your posts has a big role in my deciding to give them a shot.

[Fish Folk]

On 12/20/2022 at 12:39 AM, Schuyler said:

This is one that I want to try. I guess they are one of the easier species to breed. That one almost like like it's on fire!

My problem with killis is that I can never talk about them in person because I never know how to pronounce their names. Like is N Rachovii pronounced rack-oh-vee-eye or rach-oh-vey?

My dream really is to find a configuration of species that have similar care requirements but won't interbreed (different genera). So far I'm looking at N Rachovii, A Australe, and maybe a Florida Flagfish. I think clown killis would get eaten...

I know your posts has a big role in my deciding to give them a shot.

Awhile ago, I uploaded this resource to the forum files:

It is free to download. Nice quick reference on Killis.

My friend made this introduction video to Killis. Simple, but effective:

For pronunciation, the 2nd word in a Latin binomial is often a “Latinized” version of a person, place, or particular defining aspect. More often than not, that is just a hard “i” (eye). So, it’s “rach-OH-vee-eye” … “sch-EEL-eye” … “GUN-ther-eye” … “jo-STED-tie.”

A lot of people are inconsistent though. I love breeding German Blue Rams. Their binomial (Genus / species, BTW) is:

”Mikrogeophagus ramirezi”

The Genus breakdown — in this case, from Greek — is taxonomically effective:

”Mikro” = small… they are, after-all, dwarf cichlids

”Geo” = earth… more benthic than top-water

”Phagus” = mouth… they sift earth / substrate like a little “geophagus”

But the second binomial gets pronounced many different ways — even by experienced breeders. It is named after an early collector, Manuel Ramirez. I think everyone would pronounce his name “rah-MEER-ez.”

And so, I think the proper way to pronounce the fish should be:

”MIC-ro-ge-oh-PHAY-gus  rah-MEER-ez-eye.”

———

Here is my source for the orange australe. I think the Genus  Aphyosemion / Fundulopanchax is a great place to focus for consistent fish to keep. Nothobranchius are definitely trickier, IMHO.

 

 

[Guppysnail]

Those are some stunning fish. The pearl’s definitely have my interest. 
I think everyone finds their little niche eventually. There are so many fish I admire (in other folks tanks) but they just never become my “thing” even when I have kept and bred them. 
I’m a catfish girl. I try lots of other fish and enjoy them but they just don’t capture me the way catfish do. 
The GBR have really caught me and are the first cichlids I’m working with so who knows. Maybe I’m a cichlid girl and just don’t know it yet 🤣

[Fish Folk]

On 12/20/2022 at 8:10 AM, Guppysnail said:

Those are some stunning fish. The pearl’s definitely have my interest. 
I think everyone finds their little niche eventually. There are so many fish I admire (in other folks tanks) but they just never become my “thing” even when I have kept and bred them. 
I’m a catfish girl. I try lots of other fish and enjoy them but they just don’t capture me the way catfish do. 
The GBR have really caught me and are the first cichlids I’m working with so who knows. Maybe I’m a cichlid girl and just don’t know it yet 🤣

It is good to know your own niche. I completely agree! 

[Patrick_G]

Thanks for introducing me to the world of Killis. I love that they're small, colorful and active. I like that the breeding process is easy to replicate for beginners. Hopefully my N. guentheri get their act together and start spawning soon!

[The endler guy]

I feel i've probably been their best form of advertising but green water farms has killi eggs (similar to brine shrimp eggs) 

they seem like a cool idea, not sure if they work though

 

also amazing looking killis!

[Fish Folk]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:23 PM, Aiden Carter said:

I feel i've probably been their best form of advertising but green water farms has killi eggs (similar to brine shrimp eggs) 

they seem like a cool idea, not sure if they work though

 

also amazing looking killis!

Good educational resources there. I'm not sure how successfully they ship, but if you get some extra Christmas cash, maybe it's worth a try.

[OnlyGenusCaps]

You are going to have to change the fish in your company seal.  😉

[The endler guy]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:49 PM, Fish Folk said:

Good educational resources there. I'm not sure how successfully they ship, but if you get some extra Christmas cash, maybe it's worth a try.

I totally would but North American fish most likely don’t come from South America! Also i assume they ship well because they are dry, (these killis live in vernal pools and survive in them similarly to triops or fairy shrimp)

[Schuyler]

On 12/20/2022 at 2:49 PM, Fish Folk said:

Good educational resources there. I'm not sure how successfully they ship, but if you get some extra Christmas cash, maybe it's worth a try.

They have a warning that they don't guarantee hatch rates if the weather gets below 50° where you live. I would wait.

[Schuyler]

Plus they only have Guentheri and Eggersi

[The endler guy]

On 12/20/2022 at 7:47 PM, Schuyler said:

Plus they only have Guentheri and Eggersi

Idk killis, it’s just so cool the adaptations animals have

[Schuyler]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:13 PM, Aiden Carter said:

Idk killis, it’s just so cool the adaptations animals have

Oh sorry! I read that wrong. I thought Fish Folk was talking about buying some but the species they sell are ones he/she already has.

If that's something that sounds interesting you should definitely go for it. Another option is to see if there is a Killifish group in your area. If you're lucky someone may be willing to give you a batch of eggs for free/cheap.

Here's the American Killifish Association's list of local groups https://aka.org/!area_Affiliates/affiliates/acc/affiliate_club.html

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by Schuyler

[Fish Folk]

Not quite the same as high quality photos or HD video footage, but for anyone interested in briefly familiarizing themself to some of the more commonly bred Killis in the hobby, here goes. Oh! And yes, they ARE this bright and beautiful in your aquarium… 

APHYOSEMION

FUNDULOPANCHAX

NOTHOBRANCHIUS

SOUTH AMERICAN ANNUALS

MISC KILLIS

[The endler guy]

On 12/21/2022 at 10:03 AM, Fish Folk said:

Not quite the same as high quality photos or HD video footage, but for anyone interested in briefly familiarizing themself to some of the more commonly bred Killis in the hobby, here goes. Oh! And yes, they ARE this bright and beautiful in your aquarium… 

APHYOSEMION

FUNDULOPANCHAX

NOTHOBRANCHIUS

SOUTH AMERICAN ANNUALS

MISC KILLIS

Amazing!!!

[Schuyler]

On 12/21/2022 at 7:03 AM, Fish Folk said:

NOTHOBRANCHIUS

 The other crazy part is that many of these species have a large number of varieties. Like my Eggersi is much redder than either of them shown here (almost like it's a cross between that and Sp.Nassaro). That looks like an old man Eggersi.

Now I want to try and find some:

1) Mafia Island

2) Kafuensis nega nega 

3) Thereyi (Which doesn't seem to get any Google search results)

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by Schuyler
Mafia not Maria

[Fish Folk]

On 12/21/2022 at 10:51 AM, Schuyler said:

 The other crazy part is that many of these species have a large number of varieties. Like my Eggersi is much redder than either of them shown here (almost like it's a cross between that and Sp.Nassaro). That looks like an old man Eggersi.

Now I want to try and find some:

1) Maria Island

2) Kafuensis nega nega 

3) Thereyi (Which doesn't seem to get any Google search results)

 

I think it’s “Mafia Island.”

[Schuyler]

On 12/21/2022 at 8:00 AM, Fish Folk said:

I think it’s “Mafia Island.”

Dang autocorrect... I guess Google isn't a fan of the mob

[Root]

Awesome post!

After seeing posts like this and viewing LR Bretz videos regarding killifish, I must say I am becoming more and more intrigued by these beautiful creatures. What a personality too! Why are they not more popular? I have three fish stores in town and have never seen one on display. 

One thing that is keeping me from trying them out is that I have heard they are notorious for jumping out of tanks. I have a topless tank that has a dense mat of water lettuce on top and pothos growing around the rim. I know anything could happen, but would this help prevent them from jumping, or is this a "no way, must have a lid" fish?

[Fish Folk]

On 12/21/2022 at 10:51 AM, Schuyler said:

 The other crazy part is that many of these species have a large number of varieties. Like my Eggersi is much redder than either of them shown here (almost like it's a cross between that and Sp.Nassaro). That looks like an old man Eggersi.

Now I want to try and find some:

1) Maria Island

2) Kafuensis nega nega 

3) Thereyi (Which doesn't seem to get any Google search results)

 

It’s a misspelling on the chart. Should be:

Nothobranchius thierryi

Look that up. Should get you more info 👍

On 12/21/2022 at 11:05 AM, Paul R said:

Awesome post!

After seeing posts like this and viewing LR Bretz videos regarding killifish, I must say I am becoming more and more intrigued by these beautiful creatures. What a personality too! Why are they not more popular? I have three fish stores in town and have never seen one on display. 

One thing that is keeping me from trying them out is that I have heard they are notorious for jumping out of tanks. I have a topless tank that has a dense mat of water lettuce on top and pothos growing around the rim. I know anything could happen, but would this help prevent them from jumping, or is this a "no way, must have a lid" fish?

Got to have a lid, in my opinion. Michael Jensen has beautiful Glass covers over his racks of Killis…

[Patrick_G]

On 12/21/2022 at 8:05 AM, Paul R said:

Why are they not more popular? I have three fish stores in town and have never seen one on display. 

There are several Species of killis that are common in my local shops, F. gardneri, Clown Killifish and Golden Wonder Killifish. I occasionally see other species, but those three are the most common. I bet your local shop can order some for you. 

[Schuyler]

Since more people are seeing this I'm going to share some resources I've seen.

Like this page that has general info about nothobranchius along with a chart of recommended incubation times: https://aka.org/!area_Public/publicLibrary/~speciesSpecific/genusNothobranchius/genusNothobranchius.html

This one gives pictures of different varieties and has a section where people can share info about parameters that they successfully breed that species in. This page is specific to Eggersi: https://www.killi.co.uk/speciesProfile/Nothobranchius/eggersi/

On 12/21/2022 at 8:05 AM, Paul R said:

Why are they not more popular?

My guess is that the name turns people off (they just hear "kill" and assume they are mean) and then if that doesn't turn them off they are that they only live for 6-18 months and don't want to spend money when it's likely to die in a few months (I know that's what initially turned me off).

On 12/21/2022 at 8:05 AM, Paul R said:

I have three fish stores in town and have never seen one on display. 

Sounds like a good opportunity to introduce them to the local market without competition lol

On 12/21/2022 at 8:05 AM, Paul R said:

I know anything could happen, but would this help prevent them from jumping, or is this a "no way, must have a lid" fish?

Mine eyed the one uncovered corner for a day or two before I plugged it up. Floating plants may keep them from jumping but I wouldn't risk it when they are like $25 a pair.

It feels like they may not try to jump if things are perfect in the tank but it's hardwired into them. Check out this video to see why:

https://youtu.be/4sy3R3f_GCY

[The endler guy]

On 12/21/2022 at 11:05 AM, Paul R said:

Awesome post!

After seeing posts like this and viewing LR Bretz videos regarding killifish, I must say I am becoming more and more intrigued by these beautiful creatures. What a personality too! Why are they not more popular? I have three fish stores in town and have never seen one on display. 

One thing that is keeping me from trying them out is that I have heard they are notorious for jumping out of tanks. I have a topless tank that has a dense mat of water lettuce on top and pothos growing around the rim. I know anything could happen, but would this help prevent them from jumping, or is this a "no way, must have a lid" fish?

It seems like American native fish aren’t very popular in general (probably because if you live in the us they are a fish that you “see every day”) and it’s surprising! Some of my favorite for an aquarium 

1. any sunfish! They look and apparently act like cichlids and are super smart and personable not to mention beautiful!

2. darters- need I say more?

3. Mad toms- now Cory’s are cool and all but they don’t really make you think catfish, now if you want a mini channel cat or other large game catfish, madtoms are the fish for you! Very small only growing a few inches they look like tiny North American cats!

 

[OnlyGenusCaps]

On 12/21/2022 at 9:03 AM, Fish Folk said:

Oh! And yes, they ARE this bright and beautiful in your aquarium… 

I think your quest to drum up more excitement for killi fish is going well!

Killis are on my list of "if I only had soft water" fish.  Right after Amazon leaf fish.  Oh well...  Nice to see your success with them!