All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Blue-spotted Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion cyanostictum

Also known as aphyosemion cyanostictum, blue spot killifish, blue-spotted killi, cyanostictum killifish

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A small and colourful killifish from forest streams in Gabon, the males are covered in bright blue spots on a reddish orange body with patterned fins. It is kept by killifish enthusiasts for its jewel-like colours and suits small, planted, cool and soft water tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

20 to 24 °C

pH

5.5 to 6.8

Smallest tank

25 litres

Keep as

One male with two or three females, or a small group in a species tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp and fruit flies; some accept flakes

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Ivindo basin, northeastern Gabon

Breeding

It is a non-annual species that lays eggs among plants or spawning mops, and the eggs hatch in around two to three weeks in water or can be incubated on damp peat. Breeding is fairly straightforward for keepers who provide soft, acidic water and live foods.

Good to know

It needs cool, soft water and a tight-fitting lid as killifish jump well. Usually found only through killifish societies, so keep population codes with the fish to avoid mixing strains.