American Flagfish
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Jordanella floridae
SYN
:
Cyprinodonfloridae
PD
: A stocky bodied species with a "lumpy" body profile. The back is brown to olive and the flanksare gray brown with a light green iridescence. The flanks are marked with numerous rows of red spots. Thereis a dark spot in the middle of the flanks. The anal and dorsal fins are reddish while the other fins are colorless.
SIZE
: To 2.3" (6 cm)
SS
: None
HAB
: North America; inhabits still and slow-moving marshes, ponds, swamps, and lakes fromthe Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) north to Florida.
S
: bottom, middle
TANK
: A 20" (51 cm) or 10 gallon (38 L) tank is sufficient. The tank should be densely planted withspecies that can tolerate cooler water. Leave open swimming areas and use a dark substrate. This species is most comfortable whenthe tank receives sunlight and there is some algal growth.
WATER
: pH 6.7-8.2 (7.7), 6-20 dH (12), 66-72°F (19-22°C)
SB
: An active species which is peaceful towards most other companions, but combative towardsits own species. This species guards its brood.
SC
: Livebearers, Loricarids,
Corydoras
, minnows.
FOOD
: Flake; live;
insect larvae
, insects, worms, crustaceans; spinach; algae.
SEX
:Males are colorful, while females are dull brown. Females are fuller bodied, with lesselongated fins.
B
:Raise the water temperature to 73-77°F (23-25°C). The pair should be placed in a spawningtank of their own furnished with many fine-leafed plants, and retreats for the female. The eggs are laid each day, in previouslydug pits in the substrate or in the plants. The spawning process continues for several days until as many as 80eggs are laid. Remove the female after spawning is complete. The eggs are guarded by the male andhatch in 6-9 days. Start feeding with Paramecia and infusoria.
BP
: 5. Breeding is easy.
R
:This species can be kept in outdoor ponds during the summer.
DC
: 3. This hardy species is ideal for a temperate communitytank.
