Sexed Pair and individuals – Rare, Brilliantly Colored Annual Killifish

For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.

These fish may exhibit slight fin imperfections from natural nipping during group housing. This is cosmetic only and does not affect long-term health.

A breathtaking showcase of color and pattern, the Magnificent Killifish (Simpsonichthys magnificus) is a standout among South American annual killifish. Each purchase includes a sexed male–female pair, allowing hobbyists to enjoy their natural behaviors and easily explore breeding. Males display intense blues, reds, and metallic spotting across the fins and body, while females offer soft, earthy tones with subtle patterning. This species is admired for its vivid appearance, lively behavior, and fascinating life cycle tied to seasonal floodplain environments.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Sexed Pair Included: Every order provides one male and one female for natural behavior and breeding potential.
• Spectacular Male Coloration: Metallic blues and vibrant reds that shine in soft, tannin-rich water.
• Captivating Behavior: Active, alert, and full of character.
• Unique Annual Lifecycle: A rewarding species for aquarists interested in peat-incubation breeding projects.

Natural Habitat:

Simpsonichthys magnificus is a wild-type species native to seasonal pools and floodplains of Brazil, where temporary rain-filled habitats appear during the wet season. These shallow waters are warm, soft, rich with leaf litter, botanicals, and fine sediment. Adults live their full life cycle in these ephemeral pools, while eggs remain in the substrate during the dry season until rains return.

Aquascaping:

Create a soft, atmospheric environment that mirrors the shaded seasonal pools where Simpsonichthys magnificus thrives. Use fine-leaved plants and floating cover to diffuse the light and give these killifish the sense of security they experience in the wild.

• Plants: Choose plants that create gentle shadows and dense refuge—Java Moss, Subwassertang, Water Sprite, Water Wisteria, and floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floater. These help replicate the dim, tea-tinted waters they naturally inhabit.
• Hardscape: Incorporate smooth river stones, dark sand, and twisting pieces of driftwood to create small pockets and tucked-away spaces. Annual killifish do best when the scape breaks up open lines of sight and gives them defined territories.
• Botanicals: Add Aquatic Arts–brand botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, Magnolia Leaves, and Alder Cones. Buddha Pods and Peal Pods work as great organic shelter for these fish as well These enrich the water with tannins, promote natural behavior, and mimic the soft, leaf-littered substrates of their native pools.

Diet and Feeding:

A carnivorous micro-predator, the Magnificent Killifish thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small live foods when possible. Variety helps maintain excellent color, vitality, and breeding readiness.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Sold as a male–female pair, these fish do extremely well in a dedicated species tank. They may also be kept with very peaceful, similarly sized fish that prefer soft, tannin-rich water. Avoid fin-nippers, fast-moving species, or any tank mate that may outcompete them for food.

Shrimp Compatibility

Generally safe with adult dwarf shrimp. However, small shrimp fry may be eaten. Dense moss, botanicals, and shaded cover improve fry survival if keeping shrimp alongside them.

Breeding:

Each order includes a ready pair, making breeding approachable. As an annual killifish, S. magnificus deposits eggs in fine substrate or peat moss. Eggs are typically collected, gently dried, and incubated for several weeks before hatching. This species is perfect for hobbyists wanting to learn the classic peat-incubation method used for South American annual killifish.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
• pH: 5.5 – 7.0
• KH: 0 – 4 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Carnivorous; thriving on live, frozen, and micro-prepared foods.
• Social Behavior: Provided as a male–female pair. Best kept as a pair or small breeding group; males may spar lightly.
• Origin: Wild-type species; availability varies seasonally.
• Average Adult Size: 1.5 – 2 inches
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75 – 1.25 inches

Why We Recommend This Fish:

Offering unmatched beauty and a fascinating life cycle, the Magnificent Killifish is ideal for aquarists who want a brilliantly colored centerpiece fish with engaging behavior. Because these are sexed pairs, you can immediately enjoy natural interactions and breeding potential.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support.

Magnificent Killifish Q&A

1. What is a Magnificent Killifish (Simpsonichthys magnificus)?

The Magnificent Killifish is a brightly colored South American annual killifish known for its vivid reds, blues, and metallic markings. It is highly valued for its beauty, natural behaviors, and unique seasonal breeding cycle.

2. Can I buy Magnificent Killifish as singles or pairs?

Yes. Aquatic Arts offers single-gender options (male or female) as well as sexed male–female pairs for customers who want to observe natural interactions or attempt breeding.

3. How large do Magnificent Killifish grow?

Adults reach 1.5 to 2 inches, making them an excellent choice for nano and small planted aquariums.

4. What tank size is recommended for Magnificent Killifish?

A 10-gallon tank is recommended for a single fish or a pair. Larger setups are preferred when keeping small groups or breeding.

5. What water conditions do Magnificent Killifish need?

They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water, with a temperature of 72–78°F, pH of 5.5–7.0, and low KH (0–4 dKH).

6. Are Magnificent Killifish suitable for beginners?

Yes—once the tank is properly set up. They do well in stable, planted aquariums and are manageable for beginners who can maintain consistent water parameters.

7. What should I feed a Magnificent Killifish?

They are carnivorous and thrive on micro pellets, frozen foods, live baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. A varied diet enhances coloration and vitality.

8. Can Magnificent Killifish live with other fish?

They do best in a species-only aquarium or with very peaceful fish of similar size. Avoid fin-nippers or fast-moving species that may cause stress or competition.

9. Are Magnificent Killifish safe to keep with shrimp?

They are generally safe with adult dwarf shrimp, but they may prey on shrimp fry. Dense plants and botanicals can provide additional cover for shrimp.

10. How do you breed Magnificent Killifish?

This species lays eggs in fine substrate or peat moss. The eggs are removed and incubated dry for several weeks before hatching. Purchasing a sexed pair makes breeding more accessible for hobbyists interested in annual killifish techniques.