Purzl's killifish

Purzl's killifish (Fundulopanchax puerzli) is a small West African killi reaching about 8 cm. Males are the showstoppers, with blue-red speckling and a lyre-like tail. It has an intermediate care level, semi-aggressive temperament, and a typical lifespan of 2-3 years when kept in the right water and fed well.

Origin and natural habitat

This species comes from rainforest creeks in western Cameroon. These shaded streams run through forest, and the water is typically soft and slightly acidic. Expect a habitat with lots of plant cover and submerged wood or roots, with gentle movement rather than strong current.

Aquarium setup and water conditions

Give Purzl's killifish room and cover. A 22 US gallon tank or larger helps manage their semi-aggressive nature and provides space to break lines of sight. Keep the water soft and slightly acidic, matching the parameters below.

• Temperature: 21-25 C
• pH: 6-7
• Hardness: 5-8 dGH
• Minimum tank size: 22 US gallons

Use plenty of plants (including floating species) and driftwood to create shaded areas and visual barriers. A dark substrate and leaf litter can help them feel secure, and subdued lighting suits their forest-stream origins. Filtration should provide clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle flow rather than a blast.

Diet and feeding

Fundulopanchax puerzli is a carnivore. Offer live and frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp. Most individuals will also take small prepared foods once settled.

• Staples: live or frozen daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp
• Supplements: finely crushed quality flakes or small pellets they can swallow

Feed small portions once or twice a day, varying the menu to keep them in condition and to prevent picky eating.

Behaviour and tankmates

This is a semi-aggressive killifish. Expect some chasing, especially among males or in tight quarters. Dense planting and hardscape help break lines of sight and reduce tension.

• Better choices: calm, similarly sized fish that enjoy soft, slightly acidic water
• Use caution: keeping multiple males together without ample space and cover
• Avoid: very small fish or shrimp that could be seen as prey, and long-finned or very timid species that may be harassed

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Jumping: Always keep a tight lid; block even small gaps.
• Incompatible water: Outside pH 6-7 and 5-8 dGH can stress this soft-water species. Keep parameters stable.
• Poor diet: Reliance on flakes alone often leads to weak condition. Include live or frozen foods regularly.
• Aggression in cramped tanks: Provide at least 22 gallons, abundant cover, and break lines of sight to reduce chasing.
• Overly strong flow: Use gentle circulation; they come from calm rainforest creeks.