American Killifish Association

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The American Killifish Association

Welcome to the web site of the American Killifish Association (AKA).  This is your online portal to the fascinating world of killifish.  The killifish hobby is suitable for aquarists of all ages and skill levels, and members of the AKA have always been eager to help all who are interested in killifish. Killifish keepers range from those that have a single nano tank on their desk to those with a basement full of aquaria. You can get into the hobby for only a few dollars, yet with over a thousand killifish species, never get bored. 

About Us

AKA Upcoming Events

  • 2026-04-11 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE)
    SAKE is the annual Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event and is a one-day public conference for aquarium hobbyists. SAKE features programs by prominent people on a variety of topics, a raffle, and both silent and regular auctions. Admission is free. When: April 11, 2026  Where: Sun City West Foundation14465 W R H Johnson BlvdSun City West, AZ 85375… Read more: 2026-04-11 Southwest Aquarium Keepers Event (SAKE)
  • 2026-04-24 MKA Show in South Bend
    The first show in 2026 will be the MKA show in South Bend, Indiana, scheduled for April 24. It is part of an all-species show, so if any of you have fish besides killies to put in a show here’s your chance! Contact Dave Hemmerlein at pupfishmich@aol.com for more information.
  • 2026-06-12 AKA Annual Convention
    The AKA 2026 Convention will be held in St. Louis, MO June 12 – 14, 2026. The AKA convention is the national killifish event of the year. It is held in different cities each year, depending on which affiliate club successfully bids to host it. This event is attended by killifish enthusiasts from all over… Read more: 2026-06-12 AKA Annual Convention

About Killifish

Scientists have defined Cyprinodonts as carp-like fish with teeth. Those are further split between livebearers, like the common guppy, and those who lay eggs. The egg-layers were called Panchax and Killifish by various folks, but the founders of the AKA decided to use killifish as the general name for the egg-laying toothed carps.

Where To Get Killifish

The American Killifish Association exists for the primary purpose of disseminating killifish information and promoting fellowship among its members. It is an all volunteer organization. As an organization, we do not exist for the purpose of importing, breeding and distributing killifish. However, the AKA does support, enhance an advanced environment for the sale and auction of killifish to the general public. There you will find many AKA members who actively breed and provide for reasonable prices killifish for auction and sale.

What is needed to keep killifish?

They are mostly tropical fish, that may need a bit cooler water than other tropicals, but usually warmer than goldfish. Lots more information is available in the on-line extracts from the Beginners Manual in this section of the site.

What kind should I start with, and where can I get them?

The Beginners Guide gives more detail, but your local tap water is an excellent guide. If it is hard water, you may do better with Fundulopanchax and Nothobranchius species, but Chromaphyosemions and many other Aphyosemions may be happier if your water is quite soft. Killifish are most easily acquired at AKA events or at AKA Affiliate Club Meetings.

Why can’t I get them at my Local Fish Store?

You will not find many killifish in shops, as they have never been easy for the commercial suppliers to mass produce. Most killifish are either bred by small breeders at home or wild caught.

I heard they need live foods. Is this true, and where can I get such food?

They tend to be eaters of live stuff, so some live food in their diet is a good idea. Most serious killifish keepers learn to hatch baby brine shrimp. These serve as great conditioning food for getting breeders to make healthy eggs, and are nearly essential for raising baby killifish. Hobbyists also exchange other live-food cultures that can be kept in the fish room or refrigerator. Frozen foods are also a good substitute for live foods for many species. Some killifish also will eat high quality flakes and pellets.

Mission of the American Killifish Association

The aims of the AKA are to advance the enjoyment, propagation, study and conservation of killifish (oviparous Cyprinodontiform fish) and to promote fellowship amongst its members. The AKA holds an annual convention and killifish show once each year. A number of regional clubs throughout North America are affiliated with the AKA and share its objectives. These clubs meet regularly and hold annual shows. Through these meetings and shows, affiliate clubs provide one of the best ways to acquire killifish and to obtain advice on keeping them. Membership in the AKA is open to everyone within the guidelines of the Constitution and Bylaws.

How can I join the AKA?

  • You can create an account with the AKA at any time. Our main form of communication to you, is via your email address, so you need a functional and accessible email address. We accept payment by credit card, PayPal, or check.
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Resources

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Member Benefits

  1. Monthly newsletter
  2. Quarterly print journal
  3. Member directory
  4. Access to fish and egg listings
  5. Members-only library, including newsletter archives
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