Care
Aphanius mento is a dazzling, active killifish species which lives amongst dense vegetation in shallow zones of fresh and slightly brackish waters throughout the Middle East. Males lay down their sizeable territories amongst the tangles of plants, and as such, in an aquarium situation, these fish require a spacious tank with plenty of tall and floating plants species to establish their individual spawning territories. The space and cover will not only allow the females to escape the attentions of the male/s if need be, but will also permit other subordinate males to retreat from any conflicts with the dominant male/s. Without these necessities, it is likely that the dominant male will kill all other occupants in the aquarium, including the females. Provided that the requirements are met, Aphanius mento is an easy fish to maintain in captivity and an established colony, which continues to reproduce, may be kept for many, many years. Each male should be outnumbered with 2-3 females. Other peaceful fish species of a similar size may be kept alongside them without problems, as any aggression is directed amongst themselves and not towards other species. However, tiny species should be avoided, as they will be mistaken for food. May also be seen on sale as Orient Killifish or Persian Killifish.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae etc. May also take flake, green flake and micropellets. These fish also feed on certain types of algae.
Breeding
Turkish Killifish tend to breed during the warmer months, when the water temperature is at the higher end of their preferred range. In very densely planted aquaria, a few eggs/fry will usually manage to avoid predation and survive onto adulthood. A dominant male will vigorously defend a chosen spawning site against intruders. He will then pursue a chosen female, driving her into the selected area, where spawning will occur near to the water's surface. Depending on water temperature, the eggs should hatch within 7-14 days (10 days @ 25 °C). Once the young have absorbed their nutritious yolk sacs and become free-swimming, baby brineshrimp should be offered. The young are sensitive to changes in water chemistry, so small partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis, with the dechlorinated replacement water added in very slowly. A larger breeding/growing-on tank means that there is less chance of a drastic fluctuation in water chemistry for the fry. Expect the youngsters to become sexually mature after 5-6 months.
