How long do killifish live?

It depends on the group. Annual killifish such as Nothobranchius naturally live under a year, having evolved in seasonal pools — that is normal, not a failure of care. Non-annual species like Aphyosemion lyretails live 2-3 years or more. Always check which type you are buying so the lifespan doesn't surprise you.

How much do killifish cost in the UK?

Common species like golden lyretails and panchax start at about £3-£6, with rarer Nothobranchius and Fundulopanchax running £15-£130 for premium pairs. They are often sold as pairs. Prices on this page are live: what you see is what's in stock today.

Can killifish live in a community tank?

Some can — peaceful lampeyes and lyretails do fine with small calm fish — but most killifish are best in a species tank, both to show their colour and because their specific water and feeding needs are easier to meet. Males can also be feisty with each other, so plan the group carefully.

Do killifish really jump?

Yes — this is the number one killifish rule. Most species are accomplished jumpers and will find the smallest gap in a lid. A tight-fitting cover is essential; more killifish are lost to the carpet than to poor water. Always keep the tank well covered.

Is it safe to buy killifish online?

Yes. Killifish post well when packed properly — oxygen-charged bags inside an insulated box with a winter heat pack, moved midweek by a licensed live-animal courier. Dispatch is Tuesday or Wednesday so they never sit over a weekend, all under our photo-proof live arrival guarantee.

Killifish for Sale UK

Killifish for sale UK — Nothobranchius, Aphyosemion, Aplocheilus, Simpsonichthys. Rare colour-bomb annual and non-annual species.

22 products available

Every killifish on this page is a live fish held in our own system before dispatch — not a stock photo. We stock Aphyosemion and Fundulopanchax lyretails, Nothobranchius, panchax and lampeye species, with new imports landing most weeks.

Killifish ship in oxygen-charged bags inside an insulated box, dispatched Tuesday or Wednesday with a licensed live-animal courier so your fish never sits over a weekend. Every order carries our live arrival guarantee: photograph any problem in the unopened bag within 2 hours and we refund or replace.

Killifish are among the most spectacularly coloured freshwater fish, and many are surprisingly easy to keep in a small species tank. They are a specialist's delight but accessible to newcomers who do a little reading. Check the notes linked below before ordering — species vary widely in lifespan and water needs.

Current delivery and offer information

Follow each link for the latest terms before ordering.

Arrival guaranteeLive Arrival GuaranteeRead the current claim and evidence terms.Specialist deliverySpecialist live-animal deliverySee current price, postcode coverage and dispatch information.First-order offerCurrent first-order offerCheck the offers page for active terms.22 in stock22 in stockBrowse the current in-stock catalogue.

Browse all 22 Killifish

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Frequently asked questions

Less than their reputation suggests. Many, like the golden lyretail (Aphyosemion australe), are hardy and breed readily in a small planted species tank. The complexity comes from the sheer variety — some are annual species with short lives, others long-lived — so success is really about matching the species to your expectations.

Killifish for Sale UK