Easy careSemi-aggressiveSchool of 6+Americas / Africa

Tanganyika Killifish

Cyprinodontiformes sp.

The Tanganyika Killifish (Cyprinodontiformes sp.) is a semi-aggressive fish that's easy to keep. Give it a tank of at least 150 litres (40 US gallons), water held at 73-77°F, and a pH of 6.8-8.2. Always keep a group of at least 6 - they feel safest in numbers.

Care levelEasy

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

Min tank size40 US gal

pH range6.8-8.2

Temperature73-77°F

Max size5.5 in (14.0 cm)

Captive lifespan3-6 years

SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Americas / Africa (varies)

Africa
South America
Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Tanganyika Killifish Tank Setup

A tank of at least 150 litres (40 US gallons) at 73-77°F and pH 6.8-8.2 suits them well. Livebearers breed quickly, so plan for the fry and keep an eye on your male-to-female ratio. Always keep a group of at least 6 of their own kind - kept alone or in pairs they tend to turn shy, nippy, or wash out in colour. They reach about 14 cm as adults, so don't be misled by the small juveniles sold in stores.

What Do Tanganyika Killifish Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Tanganyika Killifish Tank Mates

Keep in groups of at least 6. The Tanganyika Killifish is semi-aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's a shoaling fish, so settle a group of 6 or more of its own kind before adding anything else - a stressed, lonely fish is far more likely to nip or hide. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Tanganyika Killifish Good for Beginners?

Often recommended to beginners, but only after the tank is cycled and you can keep a proper school - not three fish in a new setup.

Tanganyika Killifish - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Tanganyika Killifish need?

Tanganyika Killifish need a tank of at least 150 litres (40 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

How many Tanganyika Killifish should I keep together?

Keep a group of at least 6. Tanganyika Killifish are a shoaling species and become stressed, lose their colour, or hide when kept singly or in pairs.

What water parameters do Tanganyika Killifish need?

Keep them at 73-77°F with a pH of 6.8-8.2, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Tanganyika Killifish eat?

Tanganyika Killifish are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Tanganyika Killifish good for beginners?

Yes - Tanganyika Killifish are a good beginner choice once the tank is fully cycled and you can keep a proper group. They are hardy but still need stable water and a school to feel secure.

Common mistakes with Tanganyika Killifish

Buying fewer than 6 - Tanganyika Killifishs need a proper school to feel secure; isolated individuals hide, fail to colour up, or become stressed.
Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 150 litres (40 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.