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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Blue gularis

Fundulopanchax sjostedti

Male Blue gularis, Niger Delta form (Fundulopanchax sjostedti)
Male Fundulopanchax sjostedti, identified as the Niger Delta form. Photo: Andrewbogott, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Andrewbogott (Wikimedia Commons) · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Proportional resize and JPEG compression only; no crop or colour edits. CC BY-SA 4.0 share-alike terms retained.

The Blue gularis (Fundulopanchax sjostedti) is a large, vividly patterned West African killifish. Adult males often have extended fins and strong markings; females are smaller and less contrasting. It is sold as “Blue gularis” or “Golden pheasant”, while older literature uses the spelling sjoestedti or the combination Aphyosemion sjoestedti. Keep these name variants and the many captive forms distinct. The practical priorities are space, stable water, suitable small prey and a lid without gaps: this species jumps powerfully and may treat smaller fish as food.

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At a glance

Temperature
23–24 °C
pH
6.0–8.0
GH
5–19 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 90 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 81 L
Adult size
Up to 13 cm
Group size
At least 3 individuals
Temperament
May jump, Territorial

About this species

GBIF accepts Fundulopanchax sjostedti (Lönnberg, 1895) in Nothobranchiidae; it maps the spelling sjoestedti to that accepted name. FishBase and aquarium literature use both spellings, and older sources sometimes place the fish in Aphyosemion. It is one of the larger aquarium killifishes: Seriously Fish reports 12 cm standard length and FishBase 13 cm. Males are usually larger and much more colourful, with extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins; females are smaller, rounder and more subdued. Geographic and selected colour forms include Niger Delta, Warri and Dwarf Red. A trade name does not prove a precise collection locality. Ask about provenance and do not mix traceable lines if you intend to preserve them.

Natural habitat

The species occurs in Nigeria and Cameroon, with distribution records focused on the Niger Delta and adjacent regions. FishBase describes temporary swamps, raffia swamps and swampy sections of slow-flowing brooks in coastal rainforest. These are sheltered, vegetated waters rather than fast river channels. Plants, roots and subdued light provide cover and food-rich microhabitats. Aquarium references also suggest floating plants and wood as practical furnishings. Do not turn this habitat description into an exact water recipe: natural conditions vary between places and seasons. In an aquarium, gentle flow, some open bottom-level swimming space, dense edge cover and a fully secure lid matter more than recreating every habitat detail.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish gives a base footprint of about 90 × 30 cm and approximately 81 litres at 30 cm high. This is a published minimum reference, not a guarantee for every group; more space is sensible with several males or persistent female harassment. The species can be kept as a harem: one male with two or three females may reduce pressure on a single female, but monitor behaviour and condition. Males can be aggressive toward one another. Use plants and wood as visual barriers while retaining open swimming space. A dark, soft substrate, dense planting at the sides and floating plants suit the fish. Secure every gap around cables and hoses; a well-fitted lid with safe cable openings prevents escape.

Water conditions

For routine care, about 23–24°C is a cautious range where specialist references overlap. AquaInfo gives 22–24°C, while Seriously Fish and FishBase report 23–26°C. The same sources differ on hardness and acidity: AquaInfo lists pH 6.0–6.5 and GH 5–7; Seriously Fish gives pH 6.0–8.0 and GH 5–20, and FishBase records natural values of pH 6–8 and dH 5–19. Treat these as references, not a reason to change a stable aquarium abruptly. Test the source water, acclimate carefully and keep temperature and water quality steady. Regular water changes and prompt removal of food residues are especially useful when feeding rich prey foods.

Behaviour and group size

This large killifish is not an automatic choice for a small community aquarium. Small fish and shrimp may be treated as prey, while fast or dominant fish can disrupt feeding. Seriously Fish only suggests peaceful tankmates large enough not to be considered food, but each pairing still needs assessment of adult size, mouth size, swimming room, behaviour and water needs. A species aquarium is often the most predictable option. Males are aggressive toward one another; keeping several requires substantial space and visual barriers. Females may be harassed by a male, so several females and adequate refuges can help. Keep the tank fully covered and check after introductions that all fish feed calmly; separate them if injury or persistent stress occurs.

Feeding

Fundulopanchax sjostedti is carnivorous and eats small aquatic animals. Seriously Fish recommends small live or frozen prey, including Daphnia and bloodworm, as the basis; dried foods are accepted only occasionally according to that source. AquaInfo also names mosquito larvae and Daphnia. Vary suitable live or frozen foods of an appropriate size and offer small portions that are eaten promptly. Dried Daphnia may be used as a supplement, perhaps briefly moistened, but it is not a complete staple. Do not rely on dry food alone. Feed in a way that lets females eat too, remove leftovers and adjust portions to activity and condition. Fry need much smaller food than adults.

Breeding

Eggs are laid on or in the substrate, and aquarium sources describe this fish as semi-annual. Spawning media differ: AquaInfo describes peat-like material and a drier incubation, while Seriously Fish also discusses water incubation, peat, mops or fine moss. This does not mean one method is mandatory for every line. Breeding requires a separate setup, well-conditioned adults and attention to female recovery; spawning can be demanding. Parents may eat eggs and fry, so deliberate raising requires separation or collecting eggs. Newly hatched fry need very fine food, followed later by larger prey. Follow a method from an experienced killifish breeder for the particular line and never release fish or eggs outdoors.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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