Florida Flag Fish
Florida Flag Fish
Florida Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae) is a remarkable North American native — a killifish-like pupfish from Florida whose common name comes from the male's extraordinary coloration: horizontal red and gold stripes with green-blue iridescent spots, creating a pattern genuinely reminiscent of the American flag. An active algae eater, hardy cool-water fish, and fascinating community member.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples — Flag Fish are significant algae grazers. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week.
Native to the marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams of Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula. Tolerates a wide range of conditions including cooler temperatures — an excellent unheated aquarium fish. One of the most effective algae grazers available including hair algae.
Keep as pairs or small groups — one male per tank in smaller setups as males can be aggressive toward each other. Males may harass females; provide dense planting and hiding spots. Compatible with robust, cool-tolerant community fish.
The Florida Flag Fish is an underappreciated gem — a beautiful North American native that doubles as an algae control powerhouse, particularly effective against hair algae and filamentous algae that many other species ignore.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males territorial with each other |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male with 2+ females |
| Ideal Temp | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Mini Algae Wafers; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Origin | Florida and Yucatan Peninsula, USA and Mexico |
| Notes | North American native. Male coloration recalls US flag — horizontal red/gold stripes with iridescent spots. Effective hair algae eater. Cool-water tolerant. Unheated aquarium suitable. |
