Care
Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, with a land area of almost 11,000 sq km. Perhaps best known for its lush scenery and idyllic tropical beaches, it may come as a surprise to learn that Jamaica boasts some 120 rivers, which are home to almost 40 species of freshwater fish. Much of the island is composed of limestone, and the ridge of mountains, which form its backbone, top out at 2256m (7400ft) at Blue Mountain Peak in the east. The majority of the 120 rivers are relatively small, but fast-flowing, and run from the rugged central mountain ranges to the coasts with cascading waterfalls along the way. Most of these rivers are reported as being fairly un-navigable, and are also prone to flash flooding during the rainy season. Natural crystal-clear springs are also prevalent throughout the terrain, and it is amongst the shallower areas of these springs in the parishes of Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Westmoreland that we find the Jamaican Killifish. Jamaican Killifish are one of only two members of the genus Cubanichthys, from the subfamily Cubanichthyinae. They are considered by many experienced Killifish keepers to be quite a challenging species to keep in the home aquarium, so are not recommended for beginners. The aquarium should be furnished with a soft sand substrate and be well planted. In the wild, this species tends to hide amongst shady areas of aquatic vegetation, booth rooted and floating. Lighting should not be too bright, with floating plants used to help diffuse it further. It is imperative that the water is maintained to a high standard at all times, with gentle movement provided by the filter. Compared to some species of Killifish, Jamaican Killifish are of mild temperament, and so groups including more than one male can be kept together. Occasionally males may try to intimidate each other, but no harm should ensue, particularly with a maze of plant cover for the recipient to retreat into and hide amongst. Females tend not to be quite as colourful as the males, and in fish of the same ages, females are slightly smaller. With a maximum size of just 6cm, the species is ideally suited to small planted set-ups. Jamaican Killifish really are best maintained in a species-only environment, and not as part of a general community setting. Jamaican Killifish are a non-annual species, which means that they will live longer than a year and do not need to reproduce within that timeframe in order for the species to survive. Breeding has been accomplished in the home aquarium (see below) but it is not easy.
Feeding
These fish undoubtedly prefer small frozen or live foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia & baby brineshrimp. Over time, some specimens may accept dried food, but not all will be willing.
Breeding
A conditioned pair should be placed in their own spawning aquarium, which should contain live plants including Java moss and floating species. Jamaican Killifish are "brood hiders" or "crevice spawners" and as such, usually select a hidden spawning site, such as within a tangle of aquatic vegetation (this is where the Java moss comes in handy) or within the crevices of rocks and caves, for example. Some aquarists have even used chunks of open-cell filter foam as a spawning medium. The filamentous eggs, 1.2-1.4mm in diameter, are fertilised and injected into the chosen crevice. It can take from 9 days to 2 weeks until the eggs hatch (very dependent on temperature) and as the parents are non-guarders, they need to be removed from the aquarium once spawning has ceased, otherwise they will predate on the eggs. Upon hatching, the fry are quite sizeable, and are more than capable of taking baby brineshrimp and powdered egg layer first foods. As with the adults, excellent water quality is paramount in your success.
