Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue lyretail (Fundulopanchax gardneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.
West Africa, in shallow rain pools, small streams and swamps of Nigeria and Cameroon.
Description
The blue lyretail, or Gardner's killifish, is a small, brightly coloured egg-laying toothcarp of the family Nothobranchiidae reaching about 6 cm. The sexes differ strongly: males are steel-blue with numerous red spots and yellow fin edges and have lyre-shaped tail lobes, while females are inconspicuously brown. The species lives in shallow rain pools, streams and swamps of West Africa, mainly Nigeria and Cameroon, which partly dry up in the dry season. Just below the surface it hunts insects, larvae and small zooplankton. In the rainy season it lays its eggs in the bottom; these can bridge dry periods. Because of its colour and easy breeding it is a popular aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue lyretail?
The Blue lyretail has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Small, brightly coloured killifish; males are steel blue with red spots and yellow fin edges, females inconspicuous brown.
Where does the Blue lyretail live?
The Blue lyretail lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa, in shallow rain pools, small streams and swamps of Nigeria and Cameroon.
How big does the Blue lyretail get?
The Blue lyretail grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Blue lyretail dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue lyretail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue lyretail edible?
The Blue lyretail is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fundulopanchax
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue lyretail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue lyretail is one of 12,519 species in the app.