A fish named due to its appearance – the American Flag Fish is so named because of just how similar the colourings on its side is to the American Flag (as can be see in the picture above) and can be found in heavily vegetated ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams prodominently in Florida, USA however it has been introduced to Queensland, Australia also.
The differences in sexes are few and are more pronounced when the female is in breeding conditions as she will be fuller bellied – both sexes sport a dark blotch on their flank however its more pronounced in females.
Fish can reach a hardy 2.6″ in size also.
Synonyms | Cyprinodon floridae |
Distribution | Endemic to Florida, North America. Was introduced to Queensland, Australia. |
Sexual Dimorphism | Males larger and much more colourful than the females. Although both sexes sport a dark blotch on the flanks, it is better defined in females. Females in breeding condition will be fuller bellied. |
Maximum Size | 6.5cm (2.6”) |
Water Parameters | Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 7.0-8.0, dH: up to 25 degrees. |
Temperature | Subtropical: 18-22 deg C (64-72 deg F). |
Compatibility | Specialist community |
Lighting | Medium |
Environment
The aquarium should be mature and densely planted with hardy or fast-growing species, and the addition of floating cover to help diffuse the light will be much appreciated by these fish. These fish are omnivorous meaning delicate, soft leaved plants will likely be eaten.
Efficient filtration however slow flowing water is preferred to emulate the natural habitat closely.
Flagfish are of a peaceful temperament when not breedhing however should still be kept in same species only tanks to prevent unwanted aggression.
A dark substrate will futher emulate the natural habitat with the added benefit of further showing off their colourings.
- pH – 7-8
- Temp – 18-22 deg C (64-72 deg F).
What’s for lunch?
Species is omniverous so will acept a variety of foods and should be fed a balanced diet including a good quality flake food and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp. Also feeding vegetable matter will be appreciated such as lettuce, blanched spinach etc.
Flagfish often graze on various types of algae within the aquarium, and if there is not much of this present, the diet should be supplemented with plenty of greenfoods to meet their nutritional needs and help deter the fish from nibbling on too many fragile plants.
Breeding
In a tank that is spacious and heavily planted fry should be seen occasionally, providing cover such as floating plants will help also.
If spawning occurs on the substrate, the male will guard the eggs from predators, while fanning them with his pectoral fins in a manner similar to many cichlid species. If this occurs, the female fish should be removed for her own safety as the male will become very aggressive towards her. If the eggs are deposited in the roots of floating plants at the water’s surface, the fish will exhibit no brood care and should be removed from the tank once it is clear that spawning has ceased (this will be obvious as one fish will suddenly not respond to any advances made by the other).
One major factor in breeding tanks is the amount of water, with shallower the better being recomended as the fry will need access to the surface. They should initially be offered green water/infusoria, moving on to baby brineshrimp, then larger foodstuffs as they grow.
Additionally the larger fry will have no issues predating on the smaller counterparts so separating by size may become required.