Featherfin Pearlfish - Simpsonichthys constanciae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Featherfin Pearlfish (Simpsonichthys constanciae) are a fascinating species of annual Killifish. This small yet captivating fish species has garnered attention among aquarists and researchers alike due to its unique biological characteristics and captivating appearance. Featherfin Pearlfish can be kept in either a species-only aquarium or in a community aquarium with other small, peaceful fish. Unlike many other Killifish species, the males are not violent to each other.
When kept in captivity, it is essential to replicate their natural habitat conditions. This includes providing a suitable substrate for egg deposition and creating an environment with a combination of live or artificial plants, driftwood, and rocks to create ample hiding spots. Additionally, maintaining proper water parameters, including temperature and pH, is crucial for their well-being.
In male Featherfin Pearlfish, the body transitions from a golden hue at the front to a light purplish-brown at the back. They have four rows of round black spots that may merge horizontally, with three rows along the entire flank and one ventral row. The upper part of the body is pale brown, and the head features greenish-gold with purplish-brown spots on the opercular region. Their iris is yellow with a black bar through the centre. The dorsal fin has pale blue and dark grey spots with golden iridescence, while the anal fin is pale green with dark grey spots and sometimes golden iridescence.
Females, on the other hand, have a pale purplish-brown body with 13 to 14 dark grey bars and one or two black spots on the flank, bordered by pale blue lines. Their belly is orangish-golden, and the fins are mostly hyaline with faint grey spots on the basal portion of the dorsal and caudal fins. The anal fin is orangish-pink with faint grey spots at the base, while the pectoral and pelvic fins are hyaline. These Killifish are characterized by their elongated fins, featuring extended rays embellished with ornate pearl-like patterns.
Featherfin Pearlfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Featherfin Pearlfish showcases remarkable sexual dimorphism, wherein males and females manifest distinct physical characteristics. Typically, males of this species boast vibrant and eye-catching colours, along with intricate patterns adorning their fins. They also tend to possess relatively slender bodies. Conversely, females tend to exhibit a less vibrant and more subdued appearance in comparison to their male counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Simpsonichthys constanciae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1942 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Rivulidae |
| Genus | Simpsonichthys |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| ℉ | 71 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Featherfin Pearlfish are indigenous to the São João Basin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These Killifish predominantly occupy temporary pools, ponds, and shallow waters during the rainy season, a crucial aspect of their distinctive reproductive strategy. It is noteworthy that Featherfin Pearlfish currently hold a "Vulnerable" status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Consequently, it is strongly advised to acquire only captive-bred specimens and refrain from purchasing wild-caught individuals.
Breeding
Featherfin Pearlfish, known for their successful captive breeding, exhibit egg-laying behaviour and typically spawn at the aquarium's bottom. To encourage breeding, a diet rich in meaty foods is recommended, although some breeders have reported success with a mixture of tap water and R.O. water, albeit not as a strict requirement.
Creating suitable spawning conditions for Featherfin Pearlfish involves providing them with an appropriate site, such as a plastic container with a snug-fitting lid. Fill the container with damp, sterilized peat moss and create a hole in the lid large enough for the fish to pass through. Position the spawning container on the aquarium floor and await the fish's discovery. If the container tends to float, adding pebbles or marbles can help anchor it securely.
During the spawning process, males may engage in persistent attempts to coax females into the spawning container, which can extend over several days or even weeks. These Killifish are native to regions with distinct dry seasons. Consequently, their eggs remain dormant at the bottom until the arrival of the subsequent rainy season.
In captivity, mimicking this natural cycle is essential when breeding Featherfin Pearlfish. Initiate a "dry season" by removing the spawning container from the aquarium. Place the peat moss within a fine net and press out excess water. Wrap the peat moss in a highly absorbent material and allow it to sit overnight to further extract moisture. Store the peat moss in a plastic bag, securely tied, within a dark and temperature-stable environment.
Featherfin Pearlfish eggs typically require four months of dormancy before hatching, although some breeders have achieved successful hatching within just 12 weeks. To initiate hatching, submerge the peat moss in a container with ample water, kept at a lower temperature to simulate the cooling effect of rain in Brazil's dry regions. Include an airstone in the container and monitor the hatching progress. Some breeders introduce daphnia culture beforehand to provide suitable food for the newly hatched fry.
If only a fraction of the eggs hatch initially, you can rehydrate the peat moss and allow it to rest in the plastic bag for additional weeks before another attempt. Feeding the fry with daphnia and newly hatched brine shrimp will facilitate rapid growth, mirroring the wild conditions where they must reach sexual maturity and reproduce before the rainy season concludes.
Diet & Feeding
Featherfin Pearlfish are omnivorous, and their diet in the wild consists of small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and other tiny prey items. In a home aquarium, they can be fed a variety of live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small aquatic insects. Offering a diverse diet that includes both protein-rich and high-quality commercial flakes or pellets can help ensure their nutritional needs are met. It's important to provide them with appropriately sized food items, as these fish have relatively small mouths. Feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day can also be beneficial for their overall health and vitality.
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