Argentine pearl killifish, are very attractive and it is very easy to identify the males and female fishes as they are different in colors. Like this, there are many facts about the fish and if you would want to keep them in your aquarium healthy this precise beginner’s guide would come in handy.
Pearl Fish – Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | The other common name of this fish is blue chromide. They are also called Argentine Pearl Fish. |
| Scientific Name | Cynolebias Bellotti is the scientific name of this fish. |
| Habitat or Origin | They are native to South America and Africa. The habitat is freshwater. |
| Average Size | They are approximately 6-7 cm(2.4-2.8 inches) |
| Coloration | The color of the male’s body is dark blue and blue-green on the fins. Pearly white spots are sprinkled on the body and fins. The female body is yellow-green in color. They have brownish stripes. |
| Life Span | These fishes do not live for long. They live for only about 0.5 – 1 year. |
| Diet | These aquarium fishes can be fed with commercially available flakes and pellets. They can also be fed with live or frozen food. Brine shrimps, bloodworms, daphnia, glass worm, and white worm can also be given. |
| Gender Identification | Gender identification can be easily made by the coloration of the fishes. Refer to the coloration of the fish given above. |
| Behavior | The behavior of pearl killifish is that they get their life out of a dry pond. They grow mature quickly, reproduce its off springs by their eggs and die. This has been recorded for about 10,00,000 years. |
| Compatibility | These fishes are usually grouped with killifish. |
| Ideal Tank Conditions | They require a tank that is filled with rainwater for them to reproduce. The tank can have plants and driftwoods. |
| Water Parameters | The temperature of the pearl killifish should be 60-68 degrees F. the pH is 3-7. |
| Breeding | Breeding of this fish requires a temperature of 72 degrees F and water should be brackish. The substrate should be peat bottom. The female killifish lays eggs immediately after which they are fertilized by the males. The eggs hatch in 3 to 4days. Pure rainwater should be poured into the breeding tank. the young ones can be fed with brine shrimp. |
| Common Diseases | No fatal diseases have been recorded for these pearl killifish so far |
| Approximate Cost | The fish costs approximately $4.99 in USA and in India, they cost lesser. |
| What to look when buying | The fishes come as eggs in peat bottom when they reach you, they will hatch and become fish. |
| Species in the Market | The killifish subspecies available in the market are cynolebias bellottii and Cynolebias nigripinnis. |
Gallery of Pearl Killifish
