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Species profile

American Flagfish

Jordanella floridae

Common names: American Flagfish, Florida Flagfish, Flagfish

Recognized speciesKillifish

Adult size

Up to 5.5 cm

Up to 5.5 cm

Countries of origin

  • See all stock from United States

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

  • A keeper who has researched this fish and can match its needs

Think carefully if

  • You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 5 or more
  • You keep shrimp you want to protect

A hardy killifish from Florida, with a checkered red and blue pattern, like the American flag. Keep a group of at least 5 in 54 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A hardy killifish from Florida, with a checkered red and blue pattern, like the American flag. It tolerates cool water, eats algae, and males guard the eggs.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are far more colourful, with larger fins. Females are usually plain.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter
About 110–160 litres an hour
Suggested heater
About 50–75 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume
54 litres
Minimum tank length
60 cm
Minimum group size
5
Recommended group size
8
Activity level
Moderate
Flow preference
Low
Planting preference
Heavily planted
Hiding places
Yes
Lid recommended
Yes
Jumping risk
Moderate

A small, dark, densely planted tank with a tight lid suits most killifish, as they are strong jumpers. Filtration should be gentle.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A jewel-like small fish, with males displaying to rivals and to females.

Often kept as one male with several females, because males can fight.

Males can be quarrelsome with each other.

Best in a species tank, or with small, peaceful fish. Avoid fin nippers. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature
18–30 °C
pH
6.5–8.5
GH
2–20
Stability importance
Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat
Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types
Carnivore, Insectivore
Feeding frequency
Daily
Preferred foods
  • Small live foodsMany killifish prefer these and may ignore dried food.
  • Frozen bloodworm and brine shrimpA good everyday alternative.

Prefers small live and frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type
Egg Layer
Breeding difficulty
Moderate
Parental care
None
Baby foods
  • InfusoriaNeeded for the first days, because most fry are very small.
  • Newly hatched brine shrimpIntroduce as soon as the fry can take it.

Lays eggs on plants or in the substrate, depending on the species, and many keepers collect the eggs to raise separately. Some species have eggs that survive long dry periods.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin
North America, United States
Natural habitat
Brackish Water, Ditch
Aquarium contexts
Planted Aquarium
Audience level
Intermediate

Classification

Profile type
Recognized species
Genus
Jordanella
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Species group
Fish, Killifish

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