American Flagfish

American Flagfish (Jordanella floridae)

The American Flagfish, also known as the Florida Flagfish, is a small, colorful, and unique fish species native to Florida. This attractive fish exhibits a beautiful pattern that resembles the American flag, with alternating red and blue stripes and a bold black dot, akin to a star. Males are generally more colorful, while females have a more subdued coloration.

They grow to about 2 inches in size and are best kept as pairs or in groups of at least 6 or more individuals.

These fish have a curious and active personality, making them an interesting addition to a community aquarium. They are generally peaceful but can be somewhat territorial, especially during the breeding season. American Flagfish can be maintained in a well-researched community aquarium, provided sufficient space is available for males to form territories. It's best to house them with other similarly-sized fish that can tolerate their territorial behavior.

In community aquariums, the American Flagfish may exhibit inconsistent behavior and may become too energetic. Their high energy levels can cause them to bother slower-moving fish, sometimes even nipping at the fins of species like guppies or bettas. Try housing them with fish that can match their swiftness, such as Swordtails, a group of Danios, or Rummy Nose Tetras.

The American Flagfish is an omnivore with a diet consisting of algae, small insects, and crustaceans. They should be offered a balanced diet of high-quality algae flakes or pellets. If the aquarium or container doesn’t contain algae, introduce a good quality dried product with added vegetable, ideally algal, content to the diet. Filamentous algae are microscopic algae that create threads or mesh-like filaments by linking themselves together. High protein diets such as live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms should be limited to twice a week.

In terms of habitat and care, the American Flagfish prefers a densely planted aquarium with hiding spots. They thrive in a well-planted tank with a sandy substrate, rocks, caves, and driftwood to provide hiding places and foraging opportunities. Anubias species are an ideal plant choice as they can promote substantial biofilm and algae growth in an aquarium with moderate to high lighting. Ample territory and hiding places with indirect sight lines are recommended for multiple males.

A minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons is recommended for a single pair, with 40 gallons or larger ideal for community setups. The water should have a pH of 6.7-8.2, a hardness of 6-20 dGH, and a temperature of 66-72°F (19-22°C).