Amiet's Killie (Fundulopanchax amieti)

Amiet's Killie is the aquarium fish currently accepted as Fundulopanchax amieti. The supplier lists it under the established synonym Aphyosemion amieti. One quantity buys one unsexed fish, supplied at approximately 3–4 cm. Sex, an established pair, locality strain, adult colour and exact markings are not guaranteed.

This is a colourful Cameroonian killifish for a quiet, mature aquarium. Adults reach about 6–7 cm, so the supplier's 3–4 cm measurement is a dispatch size rather than an adult size. A planted setup, soft water, gentle filtration and a tight, gap-free lid are the important starting points.

Amiet's Killie quick facts

Name, appearance and origin

Fundulopanchax amieti is also called Amiet's Killie or Amiet's Lyretail. Older aquarium and our stock records commonly use Aphyosemion amieti; both names refer to the same intended species on this listing.

Adult males can develop a blue-green upper body, a yellow to orange lower area and red spotting or broken lines across the body and fins. Females are usually more subdued. Young fish may not yet show their mature colour, and individual appearance varies. The gallery is representative and does not show the exact fish that will be dispatched.

The species is known from the Sanaga system in Cameroon, where specialist records describe rainforest brooks and marshy stream margins. That wild distribution does not establish the breeding facility, collection locality or provenance of the current stock, so no locality strain is claimed here.

Aquarium setup

Use at least a well-planted 30-litre aquarium as a starting point for one fish. Choose a larger footprint when keeping more than one, and be ready to separate a fish that is persistently chased or excluded. Ordering two fish does not guarantee a male and female or a compatible pair.

• Fit a tight lid and cover gaps around cables and filter pipes; killifish are accomplished jumpers.
• Use gentle filtration and avoid a strong, continuous current.
• Provide dense planting, floating cover, roots or other visual barriers.
• Keep lighting subdued or broken up by floating plants.
• Maintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes.

Field measurements from the type area recorded very soft water at about 24.8°C and pH 6.5. A field reading is not a universal aquarium prescription, but it supports a stable, soft-water setup. A practical aquarium target is 23–26°C and pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid sudden changes and do not chase a number at the expense of stability.

Feeding

Offer small foods that can be taken easily. Daphnia, Artemia, cyclops and other appropriately sized live or frozen foods are useful, while good-quality micro-pellets or fine prepared foods may also be accepted. Feed modest portions and check that shy fish receive food when housed with quicker feeders. Remove leftovers before they affect water quality.

Behaviour and tank mates

Amiet's Killie is generally peaceful and does best without boisterous competition. A species-focused aquarium is the safest option. Calm, similarly sized fish with matching water requirements may be considered in a larger, densely planted aquarium, but watch feeding access and behaviour closely.

Males can display strongly and may pressure females or subordinate fish, particularly where cover and space are limited. Do not assume a random group will settle without intervention. Avoid fast or aggressive tank mates, persistent fin-nippers and fish large enough to treat a killifish as prey. Do not mix it with closely related Fundulopanchax when breeding because hybridisation is possible.

Breeding context

Specialist breeders describe F. amieti as a semi-annual egg layer. Eggs may be deposited in spawning mops or a suitable bottom medium and can be managed with water or damp-medium incubation methods. This is specialist breeding guidance, not a promise that fish ordered together will be a sexed or compatible breeding pair.

Routine care and observation

Add this fish only to a mature aquarium with stable temperature and chemistry. Check temperature regularly and test pH if your source water or aquarium management can cause it to shift. Use modest, regular water changes matched closely to the aquarium rather than making large, sudden changes. Rinse filter media only as needed and preserve the established biological filter.

Observe feeding and social behaviour, especially during the first weeks. A fish that remains hidden, misses food, breathes unusually quickly or is repeatedly driven away needs prompt investigation. In a multi-fish setup, extra planting is helpful but does not replace adequate space or a separation plan. Make changes gradually, and judge compatibility from what the fish actually do rather than from a general “peaceful” label.

Before ordering

• Confirm that your aquarium is mature, covered and suitable for soft-water fish.
• Plan around the adult 6–7 cm size, not the 3–4 cm dispatch size.
• Treat each quantity as one unsexed fish.
• Have extra cover and a separation plan if keeping several fish.
• Browse the current killifish collection if you are comparing species.