Gardner's Killifish Akure (Aphyosemion gardneri akure) - Killifish for Sale UK

Named for its Akure locality in West Africa, the Gardner's Killifish Akure (Aphyosemion gardneri akure) is a small, colourful jewel of a fish that rewards the dedicated killifish keeper. Reaching only about 3.5cm, it packs vivid colour and lively character into a compact body, and it is happiest in a quiet, well-planted nano setup.

This is a peaceful species at heart, but its needs are specific enough to earn a moderate care rating. It lives in the middle region of softer, slightly acidic to neutral water and feeds as a carnivore, doing best on small live and frozen foods. A heavily planted, tightly covered tank suits it - killifish are practised jumpers - and gives males and females places to break up sightlines.

It is best kept as a species display or with only the smallest, gentlest tank mates, where its colour and behaviour take centre stage.

Care essentials

• Small adult size around 3.5cm; lifespan around 2 years
• Temperature 22-26°C, pH 5.8-7.2, hardness 5-15 dGH
• Minimum 20-litre, heavily planted and tightly covered tank
• Carnivore - feed small live and frozen foods
• Moderate care; peaceful, middle-region West African killifish

The right setup makes all the difference for a nano killifish like this. A 20-litre or larger tank that is heavily planted and tightly covered gives it the cover and security it wants while guarding against jumping, with the water kept between 22 and 26°C, a pH of 5.8 to 7.2 and hardness from 5 to 15 dGH. Gentle filtration and stable parameters suit its small frame.

As a carnivore it relies on small live and frozen foods to stay in colour and condition. With a typical lifespan of around two years it is a relatively short-lived fish, so making the most of its vivid Akure colouring means giving it a calm, dedicated home where it is not outcompeted by larger or busier tank mates.

Stocking note

It is best kept species-only or with very small, peaceful tank mates in a larger, heavily planted tank, and most community fish are not suitable. Avoid large fish, aggressive fish, fin-nippers, very active boisterous species, predatory fish, and keeping multiple males together in small tanks. We post every order using a licensed live-animal courier, covered by our live arrival guarantee.