R.A.S. Fins & Friends

Cichlasoma Elloitti

By Twyla Lindstrom-Peters

These are small killifish from Ghana and the Ivory Coast in Africa. The male has brown lips and his fins are a rusty brown. The female is rather dull in appearance but gets 4-5 diagonal lines across her sides. They get to be about two inches long, males larger than females generally. The male is much more aggressive as well. Care must be taken to keep the tank covered as females will jump out to escape an aggressive male. Adequate hiding spaces or spawning mops should be provided as well.

They are generally considered a peaceful surface fish that can be kept in pairs or small schools. They tolerate a wide range of water pH but prefer lightly acid water and medium hard. The temperature should be 73-81 degrees Fahrenheit. They eat crushed flake, floating pellets, live grindal worms and relish brine shrimp nauplii. Regina water (dechlorinated) has been acceptable for both maintenance, spawning, and raising fry.

Spawning is most easily induced with the addition of one or two top mops. They may lay only a few eggs per day initially but, as the fish mature, they seem to produce more eggs and fewer will be infertile. Keep in mind too, that if floating plants are added, the fish will appreciate it but they will also lay their eggs in the plants as well as the mops. The adults will eat any fry they can find. The eggs are very tiny and clear which makes picking eggs difficult. If one can just pull the whole mop after about one week and replace it with another, the tedious task of picking these little eggs is eliminated. The eggs don't seem to be susceptible to fungus and exposure to air doesn't seem to affect them. The eggs 'eye-up' in 8-10 days and hatch in about 14 days. They are immediately free swimming.

Newly hatched fry are very tiny. They swim at the surface. They do best on infusoria and microfood initially (or, very small newly hatched brine shrimp). Small containers can be used for the first few weeks to house the fry. Daily water changes and housekeeping is important though. Leftover brine shrimp, food, etc. must be removed or it can spoil the water and the fry will die. Fry are quite hardy and very few die if food and water requirements are met.

These little killifish are an excellent fish for any fish keeper especially those with limited space. A pair can be accommodated in a large goldfish bowl and will spawn regularly provided water quality is maintained and the fish receive a good diet. (Keep the top covered though!)