Aphyosemion gardneri “P82”
 
Aphyosemion gardneri
Common names: Gardner’s Killifish (P82), Gardneri Killifish
 
Overview
Aphyosemion gardneri “P82” is a beautiful locality form of the classic West African gardneri, known for its intense blue-green sheen, red spotting, and bright fin edging. The P82 population is one of the most vivid and stable colour strains, displaying consistent patterning, strong contrast, and excellent fin extension in males.
This species is peaceful, hardy, and extremely rewarding, making it an ideal killifish for both beginners and advanced keepers. It thrives in planted aquaria and is one of the easiest egg-laying killifish to breed.
 
Distribution
P82 collection locality, Nigeria
Shaded forest pools, trickling streams, and swampy vegetated margins
Soft, acidic, low-light environments with leaf litter and minimal flow
Note: “P82” refers to the original field collection code, not a man-made colour morph.
 
Size
4–6 cm
Males larger, with extended dorsal, anal, and caudal fins
 
Lifespan
2–3 years
Often longer in cooler water (20–22°C)
 
Appearance
Metallic blue-green base colour
Dense red spots across body and fins
Red edging on dorsal and caudal fins
Males: elongated fins, more saturated colours
Females: shorter fins, cream-to-brown body with faint spots
The P82 form is known for especially vibrant and sharp red markings.
 
Behaviour & Temperament
Peaceful and active
Best kept as a pair or 1M:2F trio
Displays beautifully in planted setups
Very prone to jumping — tight lids are essential
They feel secure with floating cover and shaded areas, becoming more visible and confident.
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size
25–40 L for a pair or trio
More space encourages natural displaying behaviour
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 20–24°C
pH: 6.0–7.2
GH: 1–8 dGH
Prefers soft, slightly acidic conditions but adaptable
 
Substrate & Décor
Dark sand or fine gravel
Dense planting (moss, Ceratophyllum, Anubias, Crypts)
Floating plants for shade
Leaf litter for tannins and microfauna
Spawning mops if breeding
 
Filtration & Flow
Gentle sponge filter
Minimal surface agitation
Stable, clean water essential
 
Diet
A micropredator with strong preference for live foods:
Baby brine shrimp
Daphnia
Mosquito larvae
Grindal worms
Microworms
Frozen foods are accepted readily.
High-quality micro-pellets or soft granules can be taken once conditioned.
Feed small portions frequently for the best colour and breeding condition.
 
Tankmates
 
Good choices
Small, peaceful tetras (ember, green, neon)
Pencilfish
Small rasboras
Pygmy Corydoras
Otocinclus
Shrimp (adults safe)
 
Avoid
Fin-nippers
Fast, aggressive feeders
Boisterous species
Other killifish unless in a large tank
Often best kept in species-only setups.
 
Breeding
Very easy and highly productive.
Spawning
Use mops, moss, or fine-leaf plants
Pair or trio spawns daily
Eggs are adhesive
Remove eggs/mops for best fry survival
Incubation
12–21 days depending on temperature
Water incubation only — non-annual species
Fry Care
Infusoria or vinegar eels for the first days
Baby brine shrimp almost immediately after
Keep water clean and warm
Fry grow quickly and colour early
 
Care Level
Easy to moderate
Challenges:
Jumping (needs secure lid)
Benefits from soft, stable water
Requires good-quality live foods for best colour