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Pearl-Spotted Killifish

Paraphanius mento

Freshwater South Asia Usually captive bred

A robust Middle Eastern pupfish whose breeding males turn jet-black spangled with shimmering electric-blue spots. They thrive in hard, alkaline, unheated water and require a cold winter resting period to ensure long-term vitality and successful seasonal reproduction.

5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 5 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 60 L, at least 60 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 10 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 1 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 12 to 24 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 7.2 to 8.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 10 to 25, KH 6 to 16 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Bright Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Semi-aggressive Territorial: weak.
Swims in All levels Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 4 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Pearl-Spotted Killifish is an omnivore that swims in all levels of the tank. It leaves most plants alone. Give it plenty of cover. It nips fins.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.