Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish

The Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish is native to the Okefenokee Swamp of southern Georgia and adjacent Florida. Males in full colour are arguably the most striking of the pygmy sunfishes, with dense electric-blue iridescent spots covering the flanks and a jet-black background colouration.

Like other Elassoma species it inhabits heavily vegetated, acidic, tannin-stained water. A dedicated nano blackwater biotope with peat substrate, leaf litter, and dense aquatic vegetation is ideal. The species does not compete well with boisterous fish and is best kept as a species or with very docile nano companions.

This species is less common in the trade than E. evergladei, making it a prized addition to a collection of North American native nano fish.

Water: 10–24°C, pH 5.5–7.0, GH 1–8; blackwater conditions with peat filtration strongly recommended. Tank: minimum 30 L, dense planting, leaf litter, low flow, dim lighting. Feeding: carnivore — live/frozen micro-worm, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops. Breeding: male displays and courts female; eggs placed on plant surfaces; rarely bred in captivity. Compatibility: species tank preferred; extremely peaceful but easily outcompeted by active fish.