Wanting to start with Killifish

[Dolphinfriendly]

I would like to start keeping Killifish, but I can't find any in pet shops. I do have the option of ordering online, but I'm worried about shipping eggs into the country in case the wildlife authorities have a problem with them.What are the major requirements that have to be met with Killifish in terms of tank size, temp, pH, feeding and breeding. And if possible, does anyone know where I could get some eggs or fish? any help will be appreciated.Thanks.

[Nirv]

Hey Dolphinfriendly, I think there's a nice thread around here somewhere with very useful Killifish information. We have some local Killifish breeders who will be more than willing to sell you some eggs. I believe Tyrone Genade is/was the guy to speak to, and Professor Bellstedt helps out in this thread: http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?7359-Setup-for-Killis&highlight=Killifish.

Unfortunately I cannot give you much personal advice around killis as I have only kept them once and it was in a community setup. The general guidelines are fairly vague as breeding, feeding temperature and all that is dependent on the species you choose, though almost all Killis are suitable for smaller tanks in general. If I'm not mistaken, many species need to be bred in soft, acidic water with a peat substrate but this too will vary.

[lithosza]

Hi Dolphinfriendly,

I would advise that you start off with a non-annual species first. Annual species are sometimes a bit picky.
Most common west african non-annual or semi-annual species include species from Aphyosemion, Epiplatys, Scriptaphyosemion, Fundulopanchax and Diapteron.
You can't go wrong with starting off with Fundulopanchax gardneri gardneri, Fundulopanchax nigerianus or Aphyosemion striatum. Also when you do eventually get some 'always' ask for the population or collection codes. For example Fundulopanchax gardneri gardneri 'Lafia'. This makes it easier for you to trade eggs in the future. Killinuts usually don't buy 'aquarium strain' eggs.
Here are some sites with pretty pictures of killies:
http://www.aka.org/wak/Genera_Index.htm
http://www.alfanita.se/

btw Tyrone Genade has a wonderfull ebook on his homepage about killifish he wrote himself for free. A must-read.
The American Killifish Association also has a free beginner's guide on their site.

[Dolphinfriendly]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try the non-annuals first, probably the Fundulopanchax gardneri gardneri or Fundulopanchax nigerianus. From what I got from the link to one of our threads, they don't need a very big tank, which is perfect as I have plenty of small tanks that have no purpose as of yet. The Fundulopanchax nigerianus looks to me the most interesting on looks alone from the pictures on http://www.alfanita.se/ but any of the species would be great. I now have to track down some eggs. I suppose that I shall have to wait for the breeders to pick up the thread.

[Big G]

I speak to Tyrone fairly often, and can find out what he has available, but I know he is packing down now since he's finished the research he was doing. Last I checked, he had a good few Australe pairs available, and many, many Nothobranchius Foerschi and Ruuwildekampi.

By the way, where are you based? Maybe go and update your profile to include you area. It makes giving advice a lot easier if we know which part of the country you are from?

Regards
G!

[Dolphinfriendly]

Just updated it now :) I live near Pietermaritzburg if it helps anyone who knows a breeder nearby. I'd be keen for any killi's that he has, that is if he is willing to sell of course.