Blue Gularis Killifish Care Guide: Fundulopanchax Sjoestedti Giant Killifish

Most killifish are tiny jewels suited to nano tanks. The blue gularis breaks that mould entirely. At up to 13 cm, Fundulopanchax sjoestedti is one of the largest and most visually stunning killifish in the hobby, with males displaying a tapestry of red, blue and gold across an elongated body and lyretail fins. This blue gularis killifish care guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park, Singapore covers how to house, feed and breed this magnificent West African species in tropical conditions.

Species Background

Fundulopanchax sjoestedti originates from swampy lowland forests in Nigeria and Cameroon. Unlike many killifish that are annual species with a lifespan of under a year, the blue gularis is semi-annual to non-annual, living three to five years with proper care. Males grow significantly larger than females and develop extravagant finnage. Several colour morphs exist in the hobby, including the classic blue-red form, the golden form and locality-specific variants from places like Niger Delta and Loe.

Tank Size and Setup

A single pair requires a minimum of 80 litres. For a trio of one male and two females, aim for 120 litres or more. Blue gularis are active, semi-aggressive fish that need space to establish territories. Provide dense planting along the back and sides with open swimming areas in the centre. Floating plants like Ceratopteris thalictroides dim overhead light and give the fish a sense of security. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is an accomplished jumper. Even a 2 cm gap can be an escape route.

Water Parameters

Soft, slightly acidic water suits blue gularis best. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and GH of 2 to 8 aligns perfectly with Singapore’s PUB tap water after dechlorination. Temperature should be maintained between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, which poses a challenge in Singapore’s climate. An aquarium chiller or placing the tank in an air-conditioned room keeps temperatures within range. At sustained temperatures above 28 degrees, blue gularis become lethargic, lose colour intensity and may develop health issues over time.

Feeding Requirements

Blue gularis are enthusiastic carnivores. In the wild, they eat insects, small crustaceans and even small fish. Offer a varied diet of frozen bloodworms, live earthworms chopped into segments, live or frozen brine shrimp and high-quality carnivore pellets. They will also accept crickets and wingless fruit flies dropped onto the water surface. Feed once or twice daily, offering only as much as they consume in three to four minutes. Their large appetite means they produce significant waste, so robust filtration and weekly 30 per cent water changes are necessary.

Temperament and Tankmates

Males are territorial and will fight if kept together in small tanks. In a spacious setup of 200 litres or more with broken sightlines, two males can coexist, but watch for torn fins and persistent chasing. Suitable tankmates include medium-sized tetras, peaceful cichlids like kribs and larger corydoras. Avoid housing them with fish small enough to be eaten, which means anything under 3 cm is at risk. Shrimp of all sizes will be treated as food. A species-only setup is the simplest and most rewarding approach.

Breeding Blue Gularis

Breeding is the highlight of keeping this species. Blue gularis are substrate spawners that bury eggs in peat moss or coconut fibre. Place a container of boiled, cooled peat moss in the tank, and conditioned females will dive into it alongside the displaying male to deposit eggs. After two weeks, remove the peat, gently squeeze out excess water and store it in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for six to eight weeks. This dry incubation mimics the seasonal drying of their natural habitat.

After the incubation period, re-wet the peat by submerging it in soft, slightly acidic water at 24 degrees. Fry hatch within hours to days and are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp immediately. Expect 20 to 50 fry per peat harvest. Growth is rapid, with juveniles reaching 3 cm within six weeks.

Where to Source in Singapore

Blue gularis are not commonly stocked at mainstream pet shops. Specialist killifish breeders on Carousell and hobbyist forums are your best source, with pairs typically selling for $20 to $40. Some sellers also offer eggs on peat moss for around $10 to $15 per batch, which is an economical way to start if you are comfortable with the hatching process. Join local killifish groups on Facebook or Telegram to connect with breeders who import or maintain specific locality strains.

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