Killifish biology has long intrigued fish enthusiasts and scientists. But human encroachment, habitat loss, and climate change are dwindling killifish populations in the wild. Thankfully, collection efforts by conservationists are saving these creatures. The conservationists distribute specimens and their eggs to academic and hobbyist circles for captive breeding and stewardship.
The BBC and Smithsonian Magazine rank killifish among Earth’s “most extreme” fish. They live in small bodies of water that dry up quickly. Through evolution, they’ve adapted to grow and develop rapidly before their watery homes evaporate. Some killifish species even mature in just a couple weeks.
Recently, the website Inhabitat published an interview with two avid killifish hobbyists who are helping to save these fascinating creatures from extinction. Take a look at it here and learn more about these not-so-well-known fish.
