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Blue Gularis

Fundulopanchax sjostedti (Lönnberg, 1895)

Also called Golden pheasant gularis, Golden pheasant, Red aphyosemion, Aphyosemion sjoestedti

SpeciesShort profile

From West Africa: the Niger delta of southern Nigeria and south-western Cameroon, in swampy coastal rainforest, raffia swamps and slow brooks.123

At a glance the quick version

Length12 to 14 cm123
Sizemedium

Seriously Fish 12 cm; FishBase 13 cm SL; Wikipedia about 14 cm

Largest fish in its genus
Spectacular male colours
Easy to keep in the aquarium
321

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, robust killifish

A large, powerfully built killifish. Males are richly coloured with long, pointed dorsal, anal and tail fins; females are smaller, plainer and fuller-bodied.13

ColoursVividly coloured malesPlainer females'Dwarf Red' aquarium strain13

Personality what they are like

A bold hunter. Males are rough with each other, but it lives well alongside peaceful fish too big to be eaten, such as larger characins, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras and plecos.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An accomplished jumper that needs a roomy tank with a secure lid.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A secure lid is essential. Keep two or three females per male to spread out his attention.1

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank base about 90 x 30 cm (around 80 litres). Temperature 23-26 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 5-20 dGH. In the wild it lives in swampy coastal rainforest.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Predatory. Base the diet on live or frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm; dried food is taken only now and then.13

Company who they like around

Keep as a trio or a male with several females.1

The story where it all began

Lönnberg described it in 1895. Its name honours Swedish naturalist Bror Yngve Sjöstedt, who collected the type specimen by a waterfall on the Ndian river in Cameroon.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    At up to about 14 cm it is the largest member of its genus.3

  2. 2

    It is a bottom spawner whose eggs take around two months to develop.2

  3. 3

    The species is named after Swedish entomologist and ornithologist Bror Yngve Sjöstedt (1866-1948).2

  4. 4

    Eggs can be incubated either in water or in damp peat moss.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Endangered (assessed September 2019)2
Taxonomy
Family Nothobranchiidae; described by Lönnberg in 1895; formerly placed in Aphyosemion2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Gularis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blue Gularis?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. Since they are predatory, base their diet on live or frozen foods like daphnia and bloodworm, with dried food only now and then.13 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Blue Gularis eat, and what should it never eat?

They are predatory and thrive on live or frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm; dried food is taken only occasionally. Avoid any food that is not fresh or appropriate for carnivorous fish, and never feed them anything that could harm their health, consult a vet for specific concerns.13

How much space does a Blue Gularis need?

They need a roomy tank with a minimum base of about 90 x 30 cm, which is around 80 litres. A secure lid is essential because they are accomplished jumpers.1

What temperature, light or water does a Blue Gularis need?

Keep the water temperature between 23-26 °C, with a pH of 6.0-8.0 and hardness of 5-20 dGH. In the wild they live in swampy coastal rainforest, so aim for soft, slightly acidic water and moderate lighting.12

How often should I clean a Blue Gularis's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly water testing and glass cleaning, and rinsing the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Blue Gularis live with others?

Yes, they can live with peaceful fish too big to be eaten, such as larger characins, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras, and plecos. Males are rough with each other, so keep two or three females per male to spread his attention.13

How long does a Blue Gularis live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific details. With proper care, they can live several years.

Can I handle a Blue Gularis?

It is best not to handle them, as they are delicate fish and an accomplished jumper. Always use a net if needed, and keep the tank securely covered.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Seriously Fish: Fundulopanchax sjoestedti (Golden Pheasant) seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank, water, diet, behaviour, group, dimorphism, breeding
  2. FishBase: Fundulopanchax sjostedti, Blue gularis fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, habitat, length, environment, IUCN status, incubation, etymology
  3. Wikipedia: Fundulopanchax sjostedti en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, distribution, history, predatory habits

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.