Florida Flag Fish

Florida Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae) is a remarkable North American native — a killifish-like pupfish from Florida whose common name comes from the male's extraordinary coloration: horizontal red and gold stripes with green-blue iridescent spots, creating a pattern genuinely reminiscent of the American flag. An active algae eater, hardy cool-water fish, and fascinating community member.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples — Flag Fish are significant algae grazers. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week.

Native to the marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams of Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula. Tolerates a wide range of conditions including cooler temperatures — an excellent unheated aquarium fish. One of the most effective algae grazers available including hair algae.

Keep as pairs or small groups — one male per tank in smaller setups as males can be aggressive toward each other. Males may harass females; provide dense planting and hiding spots. Compatible with robust, cool-tolerant community fish.

The Florida Flag Fish is an underappreciated gem — a beautiful North American native that doubles as an algae control powerhouse, particularly effective against hair algae and filamentous algae that many other species ignore.

Care & Ideal Parameters