Blue Lyretail (Fundulopanchax gardneri)

Family: Nothobranchiidae

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

A Nothobranchiidae species native to West Africa: Fundulopanchax gardneri lives bottom-dwelling over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company. Adults reach 4.9–7.2 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with None — species tank.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Blue Lyretail easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company; small groups with floating plants for cover.

What temperature and water chemistry does Blue Lyretail need?

Set the heater to 22–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.2, GH 5–8 dGH suit it.

How big does Blue Lyretail get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.9–7.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 62 litres.

What does Blue Lyretail eat?

Carnivore that prefers live and frozen foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Blue Lyretail live with other fish?

Calm surface-dweller that dislikes rough company. Recommended tankmates: None — species tank — Annuals do best alone. Avoid Rough or large fish — Outcompeted and out-eaten.

Where does Blue Lyretail come from?

Its home waters are West Africa — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.

Does Blue Lyretail jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Blue Lyretail breed?

In the aquarium: annual or semi-annual egg-layer; eggs rest in damp substrate. Subtle external differences.