Florida flagfish

Deep body and red-green scale rows; algae grazing can include plants.

Adult males show a deep profile, red rows between blue-green scales and a dark flank patch. Females have a spot at the rear of the dorsal fin that males lack.

Adult length

Up to 5.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

18–22 °C

Lifespan

3–5 years

pH

6.5–8.5

Hardness

2–20 dGH

Natural habitat

Inhabits vegetated sloughs, ponds, lakes and sluggish streams, also entering brackish water.

Do not buy it solely for algae: it still needs feeding, may chew plants and males defend space. 30°C is the upper end, not a daily target.