Least killifish (Heterandria formosa)

Scientific name: Heterandria formosa Girard, 1859

The Least killifish (Heterandria formosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–26°C (68–79°F). Native range: North America, occurs only in the USA from Cape Fear River drainage in North Carolina to southern Louisiana.

Least killifish care at a glance

Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

Biology

Inhabits heavily vegetated standing to slow-flowing fresh and brackish water. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and plant matter. A truly viviparous fish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Heterandria formosa
Family: Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 3.6
Common length: 2.1
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: North America: occurs only in the USA from Cape Fear River drainage in North Carolina to southern Louisiana.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm = 0.13; tmax = 0.33; Batch Fec = 1-7;)