Christys Killifish - Aphyosemion christyi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Breeding

Breeding Christy's Lyretail Killifish can be regarded as a relatively straightforward process. In an aquarium setting, a pair of these fish can be readily spawned, although it is recommended to breed them in trios for optimal results, although yields may be slightly lower due to potential egg consumption by non-spawning individuals. To ensure suitable conditions for killifish breeding setups, it is advisable to employ a small, air-driven sponge filter to prevent stagnation. The water should exhibit a slight acidity, accompanied by a slight temperature increase. Keeping the breeding tank unlit and utilizing peat filtration are crucial aspects of creating an ideal breeding environment.

Feeding the fish a varied diet consisting of frozen and live foods is essential, and the sexes should be separated in separate conditioning tanks. Following this, select the most exemplary male and the healthiest, well-conditioned female to be placed in the spawning tank. By employing this method, females are allowed to recover between spawnings. Christy's Lyretail Killifish deposit their eggs either in clumps of vegetation or on the substrate. Given appropriate water conditions and proper fish conditioning, the spawning process should proceed without notable complications. Typically, ten to twenty eggs are deposited daily over approximately two weeks. While the eggs can be left in the aquarium to hatch alongside their parents, it is recommended to gently remove them as soon as they are noticed to increase fry yield, as some may be consumed by the adult fish.

Breeding is a demanding process for the fish, particularly the females. Therefore, it is advisable to allow breeding pairs to spawn for approximately one week before returning them to the conditioning tank, as extended spawning periods can lead to weakness and fatigue. Once removed, the eggs can be incubated either in water or on damp peat moss in a small container. When incubating eggs in water, the fungus risk diminishes, but any observed fungus should still be promptly removed. If water incubation is preferred, transferring the eggs to a small aquarium or container containing water from the spawning tank is recommended. To maintain optimal egg conditions, adding a few drops of methylene blue can be beneficial. Regular inspection for fungus eggs is necessary due to the eggs' susceptibility to light, and any affected eggs should be removed using a pipette, keeping the incubation container in darkness.

The hatching time of the eggs is determined by the temperature. For peat moss incubation, placing the container in a warm, dark location for 18 days will prepare the eggs for hatching. Labelling each container with relevant information such as the date, hatching date, species, and number of eggs if breeding multiple offspring varieties is advisable. Wetting the eggs after 18 days typically induces hatching when they are placed in the rearing aquarium. Gentle blowing into the water with a piece of airline or straw can be employed if hatching is initially unsuccessful. 

Infusoria serves as an initial food source for the tiny fry. In the case of peat moss incubation, the rearing tank can be "seeded" with green water or liquifry a few days prior to hatching, or small amounts can be added as needed. After around two days, the fry will be able to consume microworms or baby brine shrimp, followed by the gradual introduction of larger live and frozen food varieties approximately two weeks later. Initially, maintaining shallow water levels is advised, gradually raising the water level as the fry grows. Careful monitoring of water quality is essential, as the fry are highly susceptible to velvet disease. Regular small water changes every few days contribute to optimal condition and growth in the rearing tank.

Diet & Feeding

Christy's Lyretail Killifish readily accept a variety of high-quality dried foods in the home aquarium, including granules, flakes, and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been meticulously formulated to provide comprehensive nutrition, catering to the health and dietary requirements of your fish. While these foods serve as the foundation of their diet, supplementing their meals with occasional live, frozen, or freeze-dried offerings such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex can yield additional benefits for their overall well-being, although it is not a necessity for this particular species.

It is important to exercise caution when feeding bloodworms, as they should be regarded as an occasional treat rather than a staple diet. These food items pose a challenge for fish digestion and may potentially lead to blockages if consumed excessively. In their natural habitat, Christy's Lyretail Killifish demonstrate omnivorous feeding behaviour, incorporating some vegetable matter into their diet. While modern fish foods typically incorporate these nutritional components, supplementing their diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini can further enhance their nutritional intake.