American Flagfish

COMMON NAME: American Flagfish.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Jordanella fondue

DESIGNATION: Tropical, but will tolerate theupper end of the coldwater range quitecomfortably.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Florida, Yucatan and southwards to Belize.

SIZE: About 6 cm (2.5 in).

WATER PREFERENCES: Not critical.Temperature: 19-25°C (66-76°F).

DIET: All foods, but diet most include aregular vegetable component.

BREEDING: This is an unusual species in thatit can use two reproductive strategies: (i) egg-scattering among fine-leaved vegetation; and(ii) egg-deposition in a depression in the bottom. Parental duties are carried out by themale.

DESCRIPTION: Male J. fondue areaggressive, particularly towards other malesat spawning time.

Information on American Flagfish

• The fish is found in the regions of North America, Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula.
• The fish has a short and stout body form. It is laterally compressed. The tails and the dorsal fins of the body are located at the back part of the body. You would find that the male fish are larger in size than the female fish.
• The male of the fresh water fish are very colorful in appearance. The back of the fish has tinted brown appearance while the side is olive green in color. The fish is so named as the color of the fish as it has dots which are altered by silver and red formation patterns showing an appearance of the American flag. The dorsal and the anal fins are ti8nted yellow in color along with the red rows of dots. A dark spot is located at the center of the fish. When the light falls on the fish the body of the fish shines brightly.
• Compared to the male the female of the fish are less attractive. They have a shade of drab yellow at the base of the fish along with checkered spots. In order to identify the female of the breed you may look out the presence of a large speck at the dorsal fin.
• As an owner of the aquarium you may not have to take a lot of care for the survival of the fish. The fish has a good adaptable capacity and easily survive in a small aquarium.
• To make the tank look beautiful with the fish in it you are recommended to make the substrate of the tank to be dark in color. It should also be well planted with water plants and well lit. The fish should also be given a free open space for swimming.
• While choosing the plants for the aquarium you must be aware that the fish prefers to stay in a cool climate and the plants should be selected accordingly.
• For its diet you should arrange for some vegetable matter like the spinach, romaine lettuce along with some flake food items. You may also keep the aquarium close to a window so that it receives the morning sunlight.