American Flagfish (Jordanella floridae)

IUCN Conservation Status: Not rated

Ecology

Native to the vegetated coastal streams of Florida, this fish is a member of the killifish family and sports a metallic blue-orange coloration, and males have dark stripes that bear resemblance to the American flag. [1,2] Although technically a freshwater fish, the American Flagfish can tolerate slight salinity as its natural habitat is sometimes brackish. [2] It is an omnivore, and will eat algae and small insects. [1]

This fish has a very interesting breeding ritual, where a male flagfish will dance around the female, who will lay her eggs onto algae-covered rocks. After the eggs have been laid, the male will guard the eggs until they hatch. [1]

Fishery

The majority of American Flagfishes in pet stores today are aquacultured, placing very little fishing pressure on wild populations!

In Aquaria

The American Flagfish is a popular fish in the aquarium hobby as it stays relatively small, features bright colors, controls algae, and is easy to breed! [3] As a smaller coldwater fish, it makes for a good addition to small ponds or coldwater tanks. It prefers slower moving water, and if kept in a tank a lid is essential to prevent it from jumping out. [3] This fish also likes heavily planted tanks that provide plenty of hiding spaces, and darker substrates will bring out its bright colors more. [3]

Citations

[1] Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr, 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

[2]Species: Jordanella floridae, Flagfish Flagfish, the Flagfish. (n.d.). Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Retrieved July 30, 2022, from https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/caribbean/en/thefishes/species/3308

[3] Broadbent, C. (n.d.). American Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) Complete Care Guide. Fishkeeping Forever. https://fishkeepingforever.com/american-flagfish-3/