Lagos Red Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos') – Tank-Bred
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Species Overview
The Lagos Red Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos') is one of the most colorful and beginner-friendly killifish available in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to West Africa, this beautiful species is prized for the brilliant red spotting, iridescent blue body coloration, and flowing finnage displayed by mature males. Despite their striking appearance, Lagos Red Killifish are remarkably hardy, readily accept prepared foods, and adapt well to established aquariums, making them an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of killifish.
Unlike many annual killifish that have short natural lifespans and specialized breeding requirements, the Lagos Red Killifish is a non-annual species that can live for several years with proper care. Their peaceful temperament allows them to thrive in thoughtfully planned community aquariums alongside other small, non-aggressive fish, while their curious personalities and active swimming behavior make them an enjoyable species to observe throughout the day. Males display impressive courtship behavior when paired with females, making them equally rewarding for hobbyists interested in breeding.
Every Lagos Red Killifish offered by Aquatic Arts is tank-bred, carefully quarantined, and conditioned before shipment to help ensure it arrives healthy and well adapted to aquarium life. Whether you're searching for a brilliantly colored centerpiece for a planted nano aquarium or your first breeding pair of killifish, the Lagos Red Killifish offers an exceptional combination of beauty, personality, and ease of care.
What We Love About This Fish
- Brilliant red spotting and iridescent blue coloration make mature male Lagos Red Killifish one of the most colorful freshwater nano fish available.
- Tank-bred fish that are well adapted to aquarium life, readily accept prepared foods, and are an excellent introduction to keeping killifish.
- Peaceful temperament allows Lagos Red Killifish to thrive in carefully planned community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive fish.
- Easy-to-breed non-annual killifish that display fascinating courtship behavior and readily spawn in mature aquariums.
- Compact size, active personality, and striking coloration make Lagos Red Killifish an outstanding choice for planted aquariums and nano aquarium displays.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name: Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos'
Common Name: Lagos Red Killifish
Source: Tank-Bred
Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm). Young Lagos Red Killifish adapt quickly to established aquariums and develop increasingly vibrant coloration as they mature.
Average Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 Inches (6.4–7.6 cm). Their compact size makes Lagos Red Killifish an excellent choice for nano and medium-sized community aquariums.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate. Lagos Red Killifish are hardy, adaptable fish that thrive in mature aquariums with stable water quality, a varied diet, and a secure lid.
Temperament: Peaceful. Lagos Red Killifish generally coexist well with other small, peaceful fish but may display mild territorial or courtship behavior between males, especially in smaller aquariums.
Diet: Carnivore. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and live foods to promote vibrant coloration, healthy growth, and breeding condition.
Social Behavior: Best kept as a compatible pair, trio (one male with multiple females), or in a peaceful community aquarium. Multiple males can sometimes be kept together in larger, heavily planted aquariums with plenty of visual barriers, but some sparring and display behavior should be expected.
Activity Level: Active. Lagos Red Killifish spend much of the day exploring the upper and middle portions of the aquarium while searching for food and interacting with tank mates.
Aquarium Level: Upper to Midwater. Lagos Red Killifish naturally patrol the upper half of the aquarium and appreciate open swimming space beneath floating plants.
Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A well-planted aquarium with gentle water movement and a secure lid provides an ideal environment, while larger aquariums are recommended for community setups or multiple fish.
Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 Years with proper care, allowing hobbyists to enjoy their vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors for many years.
Lid Requirement: Secure Lid Required. Lagos Red Killifish are excellent jumpers and can easily escape through surprisingly small openings. A tight-fitting lid or aquarium cover is essential for their long-term safety.
Aquatic Arts Tip
Lagos Red Killifish are one of the best introductions to the fascinating world of killifish because they combine brilliant coloration with relatively straightforward care. Keep the aquarium covered, provide floating plants or spawning mops for security, feed a varied protein-rich diet, and maintain stable water quality. These simple practices will encourage vibrant colors, natural courtship displays, and help your Lagos Red Killifish thrive for years.
Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements
Lagos Red Killifish thrive in mature freshwater aquariums with clean, stable water and plenty of plant cover. Although they are considered one of the more adaptable killifish species, maintaining consistent water quality is essential for vibrant coloration, natural breeding behavior, and long-term health. A secure aquarium with gentle water movement and floating cover closely mimics the quiet streams and pools these fish naturally inhabit.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C). Moderate tropical temperatures promote healthy metabolism, vibrant coloration, and successful breeding.
pH: 6.5–7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal, although stability is more important than achieving an exact pH.
General Hardness (GH): 3–12 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water supports healthy growth and reproduction.
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2–8 dKH. Moderate buffering helps maintain stable water chemistry and prevents sudden pH swings.
Ammonia: 0 ppm. Ammonia is highly toxic and should never be detectable.
Nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrite should always remain undetectable in a healthy aquarium.
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (under 10 ppm preferred). Regular water changes help maintain excellent water quality and encourage vibrant coloration.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A single pair can thrive in a well-planted 10-gallon aquarium, while larger aquariums provide additional swimming space and are recommended for community setups or breeding groups.
Filtration: Gentle to Moderate. Sponge filters or adjustable hang-on-back filters provide excellent biological filtration without creating excessive current.
Water Flow: Low to Moderate. Lagos Red Killifish naturally inhabit slower-moving waters and appreciate calm areas where they can comfortably feed and display.
Oxygenation: Moderate. Good surface movement provides sufficient oxygen while avoiding strong currents that may stress the fish.
Aquarium Maturity: A fully cycled, established aquarium is strongly recommended. Stable biological filtration and consistent water parameters are far more important than chasing exact numbers.
Aquatic Plants: Strongly Recommended. Dense planting and floating vegetation provide security, reduce stress, encourage natural coloration, and offer spawning sites for breeding pairs.
Lighting: Low to Moderate. Moderate lighting combined with floating plants creates a comfortable environment while allowing the brilliant colors of Lagos Red Killifish to stand out.
Aquatic Arts Tip
One of the easiest ways to help Lagos Red Killifish feel secure is by adding floating plants such as Amazon Frogbit, Red Root Floaters, or Salvinia. These plants diffuse bright lighting, encourage natural surface-oriented behavior, and often inspire more vibrant coloration and courtship displays. Pair this with a secure lid and stable water quality, and your Lagos Red Killifish will have an excellent environment to thrive.
Origin: Coastal Nigeria, West Africa (Lagos Region).
The Lagos Red Killifish (Fundulopanchax gardneri 'Lagos') naturally inhabits slow-moving forest streams, swamps, and floodplain pools throughout the Lagos region of southwestern Nigeria. These shaded waterways are rich in aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, and leaf litter, creating ideal habitat for hunting small aquatic invertebrates and spawning among dense plant growth.
Although this natural habitat helps us understand the environmental preferences of the species, the Lagos Red Killifish offered by Aquatic Arts are tank-bred, not wild collected. Generations of captive breeding have produced fish that are well adapted to aquarium life while helping reduce collection pressure on wild populations. Their natural history continues to guide the aquarium conditions that allow this beautiful species to thrive.
Seasonal rainfall regularly expands the streams and pools where wild Lagos Red Killifish are found, creating abundant feeding and breeding opportunities. Recreating elements of this habitat with live plants, floating vegetation, driftwood, and gentle water movement encourages natural behavior while allowing tank-bred Lagos Red Killifish to display their brilliant colors and active personalities.
The Lagos Red Killifish thrives in aquariums that recreate the calm, plant-filled streams and pools of West Africa. Rather than open, brightly lit aquariums, this species feels most secure in environments with dense vegetation, floating plants, natural wood, and shaded areas. These features encourage natural behaviors, enhance coloration, and provide ideal spawning locations while creating a beautiful planted aquarium display.
Live Plants: Dense plant growth using Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Water Wisteria, Hornwort, and Vallisneria provides shelter, reduces stress, and encourages natural exploration throughout the aquarium.
Floating Plants: Amazon Frogbit, Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, and Water Lettuce diffuse bright lighting, provide security near the surface, and mimic the shaded waterways where Lagos Red Killifish naturally occur.
Spawning Mops & Fine-Leaved Plants: Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Subwassertang, spawning mops, and fine-leaved plants provide ideal egg-laying sites for breeding pairs while giving fry additional cover after hatching.
Driftwood: Spider Wood, Malaysian Driftwood, and Mopani Wood create natural structure, break up lines of sight, and replicate submerged roots commonly found throughout the species' native habitat.
Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves, Magnolia Leaves, Alder Cones, and the Aquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack create a more natural appearance while supporting biofilm development and providing additional cover for fry and microfauna.
Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances the brilliant colors of Lagos Red Killifish while creating a natural-looking stream environment.
Aquascaping Style: A densely planted nature aquarium with floating plants, driftwood, botanicals, and open swimming areas creates an ideal balance between security and display, allowing Lagos Red Killifish to exhibit their most vibrant colors and natural behaviors.
Aquatic Arts Tip
Lagos Red Killifish display their best coloration and feel most confident when they have overhead cover. A combination of floating plants, dense vegetation, and driftwood helps reduce stress while creating the peaceful environment where these beautiful killifish truly shine.
The Lagos Red Killifish is a carnivorous micropredator that naturally feeds on small aquatic insects, insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton. In the aquarium, a varied, protein-rich diet is essential for maintaining vibrant coloration, healthy growth, successful breeding, and a strong immune system. Although tank-bred Lagos Red Killifish readily accept prepared foods, offering a variety of food types helps replicate their natural feeding habits and keeps them in peak condition.
Staple Diet: High-quality micro pellets and premium tropical flakes should form the foundation of the diet. Select foods designed for small carnivorous or omnivorous tropical fish to provide balanced daily nutrition.
Frozen Foods: Frozen Bloodworms, Baby Brine Shrimp, Cyclops, Daphnia, and Mysis Shrimp provide excellent dietary variety while enhancing coloration and conditioning breeding pairs.
Live Foods: Live Blackworms, Live Baby Brine Shrimp, Live Daphnia, Moina, and microworms encourage natural hunting behavior and are especially beneficial when conditioning fish for breeding.
Feeding Schedule: Feed one to two small meals daily, offering only what the fish can consume within a few minutes. Smaller, more frequent feedings more closely resemble their natural feeding behavior.
Diet Variety: Rotating prepared, frozen, and live foods provides complete nutrition while preventing fish from becoming overly selective eaters.
Aquatic Arts Tip
If you want to bring out the brightest colors and encourage natural courtship behavior, supplement a quality prepared diet with frozen or live foods several times each week. The added variety closely mimics the Lagos Red Killifish's natural diet and often results in more active fish, improved coloration, and increased breeding activity.
The Lagos Red Killifish is a peaceful community fish that does well with other small, non-aggressive species that appreciate similar water conditions. Because they occupy the upper and middle portions of the aquarium, they pair especially well with peaceful bottom dwellers and small schooling fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive, overly active, or much larger fish that may outcompete them for food or view them as prey.
Excellent Tank Mates
Small Peaceful Tetras: Ember Tetras, Green Neon Tetras, Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Glowlight Tetras, and other peaceful schooling species add activity without intimidating Lagos Red Killifish.
Peaceful Rasboras: Chili Rasboras, Kubotai Rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras, Phoenix Rasboras, and other small rasboras make excellent companions in planted aquariums.
Corydoras Catfish: Pygmy Corydoras, Habrosus Corydoras, Panda Corydoras, and other peaceful Corydoras occupy the bottom of the aquarium while leaving the upper water column to the killifish.
Otocinclus Catfish: Otocinclus peacefully graze on algae and biofilm while rarely interacting with Lagos Red Killifish.
Peaceful Gouramis: Sparkling Gouramis and Honey Gouramis generally coexist well in appropriately sized planted aquariums.
Other Peaceful Killifish: Compatible non-aggressive killifish species with similar care requirements may be kept together in larger aquariums, although species-only aquariums are often preferred by dedicated killifish enthusiasts.
Species to Avoid
Large Predatory Fish: Angelfish, larger Cichlids, Arowanas, and other predators may view Lagos Red Killifish as food.
Aggressive Fish: Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras, and other fin-nipping or aggressive species may harass Lagos Red Killifish and damage their fins.
Large, Boisterous Community Fish: Fast, highly competitive feeders may outcompete Lagos Red Killifish during feeding time and create unnecessary stress.
Community Aquarium Tips
Lagos Red Killifish display their best colors and most natural behavior in peaceful, heavily planted aquariums with plenty of visual barriers. Floating plants, driftwood, and dense vegetation help reduce stress while allowing shy tank mates to establish their own territories.
Aquatic Arts Tip
Choose tank mates that share the same peaceful personality as Lagos Red Killifish. A calm community aquarium with similarly sized fish allows these beautiful killifish to spend more time swimming in the open, displaying their brilliant colors, and exhibiting their fascinating natural behaviors.
Shrimp Safe: Yes, With Adult Shrimp
The Lagos Red Killifish is generally considered compatible with adult freshwater shrimp in a mature, heavily planted aquarium. Because Lagos Red Killifish are small carnivorous fish, they are far more interested in tiny invertebrates than algae or plants. Healthy adult shrimp are usually left alone, but very small shrimp and newly hatched shrimplets may be viewed as food.
Adult Neocaridina Shrimp, Caridina Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp, and Vampire Shrimp typically coexist well with Lagos Red Killifish when plenty of cover is available. Dense mosses, floating plants, driftwood, botanicals, and mature biofilm create excellent refuge for young shrimp while allowing both species to thrive together.
Lagos Red Killifish also coexist well with many peaceful freshwater snails, including Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails, Rabbit Snails, Ramshorn Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snails, and Japanese Trapdoor Snails. These invertebrates occupy different areas of the aquarium and generally experience little interaction with the fish.
Aquatic Arts Tip
If your goal is to maintain a thriving shrimp colony, create as many hiding places as possible using Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Subwassertang, Cholla Wood, Indian Almond Leaves, and other natural botanicals. Adult shrimp and Lagos Red Killifish usually make excellent tank mates, while dense cover dramatically improves the survival of young shrimplets.
Breeding Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Reproduction: Egg Scatterer
The Lagos Red Killifish is one of the more rewarding killifish species to breed, making it an excellent introduction to non-annual killifish for hobbyists interested in raising egg-laying fish. A healthy, well-conditioned pair will often spawn regularly when provided with high-quality foods, clean water, and suitable spawning sites. Unlike annual killifish, the eggs of Lagos Red Killifish do not require a dry incubation period and develop entirely underwater.
Breeding pairs readily deposit adhesive eggs among spawning mops, Java Moss, Subwassertang, and other fine-leaved plants. While adults display fascinating courtship behavior, they may consume eggs and newly hatched fry if given the opportunity. Many breeders remove the spawning mop or eggs to a separate rearing container to improve hatch rates and fry survival.
Newly hatched fry require very small foods during their first days of life, such as infusoria, green water, vinegar eels, or newly hatched Baby Brine Shrimp. As the fry grow, they readily accept larger live foods and finely crushed prepared foods. Consistent feeding, clean water, and regular maintenance are the keys to raising healthy juvenile Lagos Red Killifish.
Aquatic Arts Tip
One of the easiest ways to encourage spawning is to offer a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods supplemented with live or frozen foods several times each week. Pair this with a spawning mop or dense Java Moss, and you'll often be rewarded with daily spawning activity and a steady supply of eggs to raise.
Are Lagos Red Killifish good beginner fish?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are considered one of the best introductions to the world of killifish. Their hardy nature, beautiful coloration, willingness to accept prepared foods, and relatively straightforward care make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep their first killifish.
How large do Lagos Red Killifish get?
Lagos Red Killifish typically reach an adult size of approximately 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4–7.6 cm). Their compact size makes them well suited for nano and medium-sized freshwater aquariums.
How long do Lagos Red Killifish live?
With proper care, Lagos Red Killifish typically live 3 to 5 years. Stable water quality, a varied diet, and regular aquarium maintenance all contribute to a long, healthy life.
Can Lagos Red Killifish live in a community aquarium?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are peaceful fish that generally do well with other small, non-aggressive community species. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish, fin nippers, or large predatory species.
Should I buy a male or a pair of Lagos Red Killifish?
A male Lagos Red Killifish is an excellent choice if your goal is to enjoy vibrant color in a peaceful community aquarium. A compatible pair is ideal for hobbyists interested in observing natural courtship behavior or breeding this beautiful species.
Can I keep multiple male Lagos Red Killifish together?
Multiple males can sometimes be kept together in larger, heavily planted aquariums with plenty of visual barriers and females present. Some displaying and minor territorial behavior is normal, but adequate space and cover help reduce aggression.
Do Lagos Red Killifish jump?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are excellent jumpers and can escape through surprisingly small openings. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential for their long-term safety.
What do Lagos Red Killifish eat?
Lagos Red Killifish thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods such as Bloodworms and Baby Brine Shrimp, and live foods including Daphnia, Moina, and Live Blackworms.
Can Lagos Red Killifish live with shrimp?
Yes, adult freshwater shrimp usually coexist well with Lagos Red Killifish. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, so dense mosses, botanicals, and other hiding places are recommended if breeding shrimp is the goal.
Are Lagos Red Killifish easy to breed?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are considered one of the easier non-annual killifish to breed. Healthy pairs often spawn readily in spawning mops, Java Moss, or other fine-leaved plants when maintained in clean water and fed a varied, protein-rich diet.
Do Lagos Red Killifish lay eggs?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are egg-scattering fish that deposit adhesive eggs among spawning mops, mosses, and fine-leaved plants. Unlike annual killifish, their eggs remain underwater throughout development.
Will Lagos Red Killifish eat their eggs or fry?
Yes. Adult Lagos Red Killifish may consume eggs and newly hatched fry. Hobbyists interested in raising fry often remove the spawning mop or transfer the eggs to a separate hatching container.
Why are my Lagos Red Killifish hiding?
Lagos Red Killifish may hide while adjusting to a new aquarium, after changes in their environment, or if they feel exposed. Floating plants, driftwood, and dense vegetation help them feel secure and encourage them to spend more time in the open.
Can Lagos Red Killifish live in a planted aquarium?
Absolutely. Lagos Red Killifish thrive in planted aquariums where live plants provide security, natural spawning sites, and a more natural environment that encourages vibrant coloration and active behavior.
Would Aquatic Arts recommend Lagos Red Killifish?
Yes. Lagos Red Killifish are one of our favorite killifish for both new and experienced hobbyists. Their brilliant coloration, peaceful temperament, manageable size, and ease of breeding make them a rewarding addition to a wide variety of freshwater aquariums.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind the health and quality of every fish we offer. Each Lagos Red Killifish is carefully quarantined, observed, and conditioned before shipment to help ensure it arrives healthy, active, and ready to thrive in its new aquarium.
Every fish order ships in our Aquatic Arts Live Arrival Guarantee Box at no additional charge. Each shipment is professionally packed using insulated packaging and weather-appropriate heat or cold packs when necessary to help maintain safe temperatures throughout transit.
Although Lagos Red Killifish are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life, they can be stressed by shipping and sudden changes in water conditions. A fully cycled aquarium, gentle acclimation, stable water parameters, and a secure lid will help your new fish settle in quickly and display their best coloration and natural behaviors. Following the care recommendations on this page will give your Lagos Red Killifish the best opportunity to thrive.
Every Lagos Red Killifish is backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If your fish arrive with any issues, please complete our DOA Claim Form as soon as possible and include all required photographs and order information. This allows our Customer Support Team to review your claim and provide the fastest possible resolution.
You can access the DOA Claim Form here:
https://aquaticarts.com/pages/doa-claim
If you have questions about your order or need additional assistance, please contact us at:
For complete details about our Live Arrival Guarantee, claim requirements, and reporting process, please visit:
https://aquaticarts.com/pages/live-arrival-guarantee
Best Fishes,
The Aquatic Arts Team