Gold form blue lyretail killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri)

Exotic, jewel-like, and endlessly fascinating — the Gold Form Blue Lyretail Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is a stunning colour variant of one of the most popular and beginner-friendly killifish in the hobby. With its rich golden body adorned with vivid red spotting and a spectacular lyre-shaped tail, this fish is a living work of art that thrives in small aquariums and species tanks.

Overview

Appearance

The Gold Form Blue Lyretail displays a warm golden-yellow body densely covered in vivid red-orange spots and flecks. The caudal fin extends into a beautiful lyre shape with elongated upper and lower lobes edged in bright colour. The dorsal and anal fins are equally ornate. Males are significantly more colourful than females, which are more subdued in colouration but still attractive.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 4 – 15 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a pair or trio
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Substrate: Dark substrate with leaf litter for a natural feel
• Plants & Decor: Dense planting with floating plants and Java moss; they appreciate cover and hiding spots

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality micro pellets or small flake food
• Treats: Frozen or live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and bloodworms
• Tip: Live and frozen foods enhance their colouration and breeding condition

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept as a pair (one male, two females) or in a species tank. Suitable peaceful tank mates include:

• Small tetras and rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Small livebearers

Avoid keeping multiple males together without ample space and visual barriers, as they will fight. Do not house with fin-nipping species.

Breeding

Gold Form Blue Lyretail Killifish are plant spawners — they deposit eggs among fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. Eggs can be collected and incubated separately. They hatch in 14–21 days and fry can be fed baby brine shrimp and micro worms from the start.

The Gold Form Blue Lyretail Killifish is a spectacular and rewarding fish — one of the best killifish for beginners and a true gem for experienced hobbyists. Its stunning gold and red colouration and elegant lyretail make it a standout in any aquarium.