Fundulopanchax Gardneri

[Dwarfs]

I've found 2 Fundulopanchax gardneri fry in one of my QT tanks today, the only thing is, I didn't even know two of my gardneri killis had spawned I have one male and two females, and what I'm asking for is some general information about breeding them. I have no clue what to look for or how long it takes for the eggs to hatch, I ended up with 2 fry by accident The trio had been in the tank for about two months (5g QT) and had a couple golden wonder killis with them for a short period of time

I know there are a few experienced killi keepers around the forums, so I'd like to know how to set up the killi's tank for optimum breeding results They are beautiful fish (well the male is anyway) and I'd definately like a few more around

Thanks, Dwarfs

 

[Nadine F]

There are a few types of gardneri, but try this link, it includes different methods of breeding which have been tried and their success rates for each species

Gardneri are about 2/3 the way down on the left

Hope this help, if not BigC will be able to help

 

[BigC]

Hi,
There are many many species and subspecies of Fp. gardneri. (with different colour patterns and finnage) They are found at many locations mainly in Nigeria and Cameroon. Probably the most stunning population of all in my opinion is Fp. gardneri nig. Jos Plateau. ( I like to keep this population, and have kept them since the early eighties)
All populations can be maintained in an aquarium of 18"x8"x8" for a pair/trio (1 male : 2 females) but I like to give them an 18"x10"x10" bare bottomed tank with both floating and sunken mops. A small air driven sponge filter is installed and the temperature of 72-76 degrees F. is about right. (22-24 degrees C.) soft water with a pH in or around 6.8 suits them fine. These fish are excellent jumpers and this cannot be expressed enough so a tight fitting lid/hood is essential. Eggs can be picked from the mops on a daily basis (carefully using your fingers) and placed in a margarine tub with the same water quality from the parent tank and a small airstone set to a trickle. (remove fungussed eggs on a daily basis) The eggs hatch in or around 18 - 21 days (some sooner, some later) and will take newly hatched brineshrimp or microworm straight away. It's best to rear the fry seperate from the parents if you wish to breed them for quantity but it is possible to breed them in the more natural state but only a few will survive as you already have witnessed.
Whilst in this setup give you breeding stock a varied diet which should include staple flake, frozen and more importantly livefood, to keep them in peak condition.
Fp. gardneri should present yo with little or no problems given proper water changes and all the above crieteria are met.
I hope this was of some help. If you have any more queries on the subject then please ask.
Regards
BigC

 

[Dwarfs]

Thanks guys, I'll definately look out for any eggs, but what exactly are spawning/breeding mops? I have a lot of java moss and some filter floss, would either of those work? I'd like to start breeding some of my fish again. (After my rainbow cichlid massacre, I took a break for a while ) These killis are definately a good start for me, and I'm also trying to get my M. clivicola to spawn again

 

[BigC]

Java Moss is a excellent natural method for killis to lay their eggs on.

but what exactly are spawning/breeding mops?

How to make spawning mops...
http/www.aquarticles.com/articles/breedi...awning_Mop.html
Regards
BigC

 

[Dwarfs]

I think I'll use some java moss then, and if we happen to go near an arts and craft store soon, I'll look out for that yarn Thanks again