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Semi Annuals
This is a informal (non-scientific),
but logical organization of West African killifish genera. This alliance
being primarily based on a common reproductive mode that falls somewhere between
that of a "true annual" killifishes and that of a "non-annual" killifishes
(or usually a combination of both). There is however,
a broader phylogenic relationship that exist between the genera
listed here.
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Aquarium Care & Breeding (generalized)
Most of the "Semi-annual killifishes
can be kept by practicing generic "Tropical fish"
aquarium methods. Like most killifishes, top cover is a must, as is
adequate water quality. However, as a general rule, this group is
hardly sensitive to a broad range of stable water parameters, and most potable water should
work for both housing and breeding (so long as extremes are
avoided). Often the addition of small amounts of salt is beneficial
for some species but not required. Temperature
tolerance usually ranges from as low as 65F(survivable) to 72F
(longer term) to 80F (upper range with shortened longevity).
Feeding. This group of killifishes in
particular lends itself well to being raised on "commercial"
(flakes) or frozen prepared foods. As with any killifish, the
addition of live foods is a must if you want the fish to
develop to "show quality" and peak breeding condition (which
in turn will
have a direct affect on your breeding success/failure).
Chopped earthworms of suitable size are enthusiastically accepted,
and can be a regular addition, especially if/when balanced
with terrestrial insects or aquatic larvae (bloodworms, mosquito,
flies, et.)
Breeding: As mentioned, the degree of
"annualism" generally determines what breeding technique will work
best. But in general, usually just a bare tank with a peat
covered bottom will yield adequate to good results (provided there
is additional escapement cover for the female). For some species: Callopanchax, Fp deltaense, Fp.Fallax, and Fp.Robertsoni, et.
peat incubation is likely the only successful method. Other species such as Fp.ameti,
Fp.sjoestedi and Fp.gardneri are "Switch spawners"; in
which substrate spawning followed by a short
incubation (4-6 weeks), would be the "easiest" method,
with
water incubation secondary but entirely feasible. And finally
there are other species that lean towards a entirely "non-annaul"
reproductive cycle: Fp.Oeseri, Fp.cinnamomeous, and Fp.scheeli. with
these species, the
primary option would be to pick eggs from mops and incubate for 2-3
weeks in water. Alternatively, and depending on the feeding and
disposition of the parents, sometimes fry will simply show and will
develop unharmed in the parents tank, especially given adequate cover
(oeseri, gardneri, marmoratus and walkeri). For more detail see the
"Breeding" section in "How to" in this website |
Notable species
A=widely available
U=
usually available
N=
not seen often B=suitable
for beginner
C=Hobby
Conservation targeted
Callopanchax
monroviae N
Callopanchax occidentalis
Callopanchax toddi
Fundulopanchax amieti A,
U
Fundulopanchax arnoldi
Fundulopanchax cinnamomeus U
Fundulopanchax
gularis (deltaense type) U
Fundulopanchax fallax U
Fundulopanchax filamentosus
Fundulopanchax gardneri A
Fundulopanchax nigerianus
Fundulopanchax gularis N
Fundulopanchax marmoratus
Fundulopanchax mirabilis
Fundulopanchax ndianus N
Fundulopanchax oeseri U
Fundulopanchax powelli N
Fundulopanchax puerzli
Fundulopanchax robertsoni N
Fundulopanchax rubrolabialis N
Fundulopanchax scheeli A,
B
Fundulopanchax sjoestedti A,B
Fundulopanchax spoorenbergi
Fundulopanchax walkeri U
,B
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