Blackfin Pearl Killifish

Austrolebias nigripinnis

Blackfin Pearl Killifish is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 5 US gal (20 L) or larger / ≥ 11.8" (≥ 30 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 64–72°F (18–22°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 5–20 dGH
KH: 1–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 1 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 1 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 5 US gal (20 L) or larger / ≥ 11.8" (≥ 30 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–22 °C, pH 6–7, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 1–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Blackfin Pearl Killifish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Blackfin Pearl Killifish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Breeder uses spawning peat container; eggs kept dry/await diapause; cool-water annual species needing specialist reproduction planning.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 5 US gal (20 L) or larger / ≥ 11.8" (≥ 30 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Argentina.

Breeding notes

Seasonal killifish; room-temperature care around 18 C is described. Constant high temperatures shorten life. Eggs require a dry period for breeding.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Striped Rivulus Killifish Rivulus xiphidius Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Blackfin Pearl Killifish get?

Blackfin Pearl Killifish reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Blackfin Pearl Killifish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 5 US gal (20 L) or larger / ≥ 11.8" (≥ 30 cm) minimum length.

Is Blackfin Pearl Killifish peaceful?

Blackfin Pearl Killifish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Blackfin Pearl Killifish?

Keep it between 18 to 22 °C.