Banded Pygmy Sunfish

The Banded Pygmy Sunfish is found across the coastal plain of the southeastern United States from Illinois to Florida. Its bold black vertical bars on a pale body give it one of the most distinctive patterns of the pygmy sunfishes, and males in breeding condition develop iridescent blue-green highlights between the bars.

It inhabits quiet, densely vegetated swamps, ditches, and backwaters — often in slightly cooler water than some of its congeners. In the aquarium a planted nano setup with leaf litter and tannin-stained water brings out the best condition and colour.

Banded Pygmy Sunfish are micro-predators that must receive appropriately sized live or frozen invertebrate foods.

Water: 10–22°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12; slightly cooler than other Elassoma species; tannins beneficial. Tank: minimum 30 L species tank, dense aquatic plants, leaf litter substrate, gentle filtration. Feeding: carnivore — live/frozen micro-worm, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, small cyclops. Breeding: male courts female with lateral fin displays; eggs placed on plant leaves. Compatibility: species tank or with extremely peaceful nano companions only.