Jordanella floridae
Native to Florida wetlands and one of the few fish that genuinely eats hair algae and black beard algae in a freshwater tank. Males flush red, blue, and gold during breeding display. Tolerates cool water — pairs with white cloud minnows and weather loaches in unheated tanks.
Florida Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) reaches 5–6 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Florida and the southeastern United States, it lives in the all water column with a semi-aggressive (fin-nipper if under-shoaled) temperament. Aim for 18–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep florida flagfish in groups of 4+, loose group schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore (heavy algae grazer), Flake, pellet, frozen food, and an unusual willingness to eat hair algae and black beard algae. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only.
Care at a glance
Native to Florida wetlands and one of the few fish that genuinely eats hair algae and black beard algae in a freshwater tank. Males flush red, blue, and gold during breeding display. Tolerates cool water — pairs with white cloud minnows and weather loaches in unheated tanks.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether florida flagfish fits in your tank.
All
No
Small group of 4+
Cyprinodontidae
Omnivore (heavy algae grazer)
Flake, pellet, frozen food, and an unusual willingness to eat hair algae and black beard algae.
3–5 yrs
Easy
Florida and the southeastern United States
Florida and the southeastern United States
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Florida Flagfish (Jordanella floridae) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the all water column and should be kept in groups of 4+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only. Plant safety: Yes.
Florida Flagfish are omnivore (heavy algae grazer). Flake, pellet, frozen food, and an unusual willingness to eat hair algae and black beard algae.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
