All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Red-striped killifish

Aphyosemion striatum

Also known as red striped killi, five-lined killifish, striped aphyosemion, red-striped aphyosemion, aphyosemion striatum, アフィオセミオン・ストリアータム, 红纹琴尾鳉, 条纹琴尾鳉

Males are blue-green with several rows of red dots that join into neat horizontal red lines along the body, plus red-edged fins, while females are plainer brown. It is a small, hardy killifish that suits a cool, planted nano tank and is popular with killifish hobbyists.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

20 to 24 °C

pH

6 to 7

Smallest tank

20 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm and mosquito larvae; some take flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Gabon and Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni) coastal lowland streams

Breeding

A non-annual egg scatterer that lays eggs daily among fine plants or spawning mops; eggs hatch in about two to three weeks in water or can be incubated on damp peat. Breeding is fairly easy, and fry take infusoria then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Prefers cooler water than many tropicals and is a strong jumper, so a tight lid is essential. Keep with very peaceful tankmates or alone, as fin nippers and boisterous fish will stress it.