All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Two-striped Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion bivittatum

Also known as two striped killifish, twostripe lyretail, red lyretail killi, bivittatum killifish, aphyosemion bivittatum, two-banded killifish, fundulopanchax bivittatum, アフィオセミオン・ビッタータム, 双带旗鳉

This small killifish has a slender body with two dark lengthwise stripes. Males are orange to reddish with red spots, a large dorsal fin and a lyre-shaped tail. Keepers like it for its colour and because it stays small and is fairly hardy in quiet, planted tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

One male with two or three females, or a species tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small insects; some will take good flake

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal lowlands of south-western Nigeria and western Cameroon

Breeding

It scatters its eggs among fine plants or spawning mops near the bottom. The eggs hatch in about two weeks in water and do not need a dry resting period. Breeding is fairly easy if the eggs are removed from the parents and the fry are given infusoria and then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

It jumps well, so keep the tank tightly covered. Many trade fish belong to named wild populations that should be kept separate, and similar species such as A. splendopleure are often confused with it.