Blue Lyretail — a Nothobranchiidae from West Africa, calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company. Reaches 4.9–7.2 cm; small groups with floating plants for cover. 22–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6–7.2
GH hardness
5–8 dGH
Adult length
4.9–7.2 cm
Minimum tank
62 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company
Origin
West Africa
Species overview
Fundulopanchax gardneri is a Nothobranchiidae from West Africa. Built for temporary waters — brilliant, brief, and dependent on egg survival through dry spells. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.9–7.2 cm. Small groups with floating plants for cover. Keep it covered, cool-to-warm and clean, and harvest eggs if you want the next generation. Maintain 22–25 °C at pH 6–7.2. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Small groups with floating plants for cover
Diet
Carnivore that prefers live and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
None — species tank — Annuals do best alone
Avoid keeping with
Rough or large fish — Outcompeted and out-eaten
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Annual or semi-annual egg-layer; eggs rest in damp substrate