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Fundulopanchax scheeli

(Radda, 1970)

Last revised 2026Edit this page

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Fundulopanchax scheeli male
Fundulopanchax scheeli maleJJPhoto

Quick factsEdit

Max size
60mm SL2.4in SL
Aquarium size
45 × 25cm18 × 10in
Temp
23–26°C73–79°F
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–15dGH

Difficulty4 of 8 measures

Easy

How the rating is worked out

Space
medium tank
Water
flexible
Temp
needs a steady temperature
Diet
unknown
Temperament
peaceful
Social
unknown
Compatibility
unknown

Other demands

Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.

Hardiness
unknown

Before you buy

  • Needs a tight-fitting lid as this species is known to jump

    This species is an accomplished jumper so the cover must be very tight fitting.

Fundulopanchax scheeli is a killifish from Cameroon and Nigeria, living in small streams and ponds in a few areas of coastal rainforest. It occurs only in permanent water and is not an annual species. Very peaceful and shy, it is easily outcompeted by more vigorous fish and needs carefully chosen tankmates.

Distribution

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It inhabits small streams and ponds in a few areas of coastal rainforest.

Aquarium size

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Standard length
60mm SL2.4in SL
Aquarium base
45 × 25cm18 × 10in
Volume
~28litres~7US gal

45 ∗ 25 ∗ 25 cm18 ∗ 10 ∗ 10 in - ~28 litres~7 US gal, although it can be spawned in smaller aquaria.

Maintenance

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A dark substrate should be used, ideally peat moss or the like and the tank should have dense areas of planting and pieces of wood to serve as cover. The use of floating plants to further diffuse the light is also recommended. This species is an accomplished jumper so the cover must be very tight fitting. The water in the aquarium should be filtered through peat if possible.

Water conditions

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Temperature
23–26°C73–79°F
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–15dGH

Temperature: 23 – 26 °C73 – 79 °F

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 3-15 dH

These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.

Small live or frozen foods such as daphnia or bloodworm are preferred, although the fish will also accept good quality flake in most cases.

Behaviour and compatibility

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F. scheeli can be kept in a community setup provided tankmates are chosen with care. This is a very peaceful, shy species and will easily be outcompeted by more vigorous fish. Ideal choices include small characins, rasboras and dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, small Loricariids and peaceful Anabantoids. Not recommended for the general community.

Sexual dimorphism

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Males are more brightly coloured than females.

Notes

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This is not an annual species, occuring only in permanent bodies of water.

Distribution

Profile completeness18 of 24

Community

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