Aphyosemion bivittatum Care Guide
Aphyosemion bivittatum is a non-annual killifish from coastal rainforest brooks of Nigeria and Cameroon, requiring soft, warm water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Aphyosemion bivittatum is a small West African killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae. FishBase records it at up to 5.0 cm total length and notes it is not a seasonal killifish but is considered difficult to maintain in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nothobranchiidae
- Genus: Aphyosemion
- Scientific name: Aphyosemion bivittatum
Habitat
FishBase reports the species from southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, where it is restricted to brooks in coastal rainforest with calcium-containing soils.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (about 11 gal)
- Temperature: 22-25 °C (72-77 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
A carnivorous surface and mid-water micropredator that takes small live and frozen foods in the aquarium.
Compatibility
A peaceful species best kept in quiet, well-planted tanks with small companions. A tight-fitting cover is advised, since this genus is prone to jumping.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019), per FishBase.
Two-striped Killifish Breeding Guide
Overview
Aphyosemion bivittatum is a non-annual Nothobranchiidae killifish from Cameroon and Nigeria, where it occupies temporary pools and swamps. AquaInfo gives an adult size of about 3-4 cm. It is a plant-spawning species, not an annual soil spawner.
Sexing
AquaInfo describes males as vividly coloured with a blue-green base, red striping on the head and gill covers, and elaborate fin patterns. Females are plainer, with rounded fins, a yellowish ground colour and two clear dark longitudinal stripes.
Conditioning
The species is carnivorous and prefers black and white mosquito larvae and Daphnia, so conditioning is done on these live foods. Tropical Fish Hobbyist advises generous feeding of live and high-quality foods before pairing.
Breeding Setup
AquaInfo notes a substrate is usually unnecessary, though well-boiled peat may be used, and recommends two or three spawning mops per breeding container. AquaInfo gives 22-24 C as optimal, with pH 6.0-7.0 and GH 5-7; it warns that higher temperatures shorten lifespan.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Eggs are deposited on plants or mops in the immediate vicinity of the bottom. After about three weeks of spawning, AquaInfo advises removing the pair, then lowering the water level and reducing temperature toward about 18 C for the egg phase.
Egg & Fry Care
AquaInfo reports the eggs hatch after about 10-14 days. Fry are reared on Artemia nauplii, sieved Cyclops, Daphnia and grindal worms. Tropical Fish Hobbyist confirms newly hatched brine shrimp can be fed to plant-spawner fry from the first day.
Common Challenges
Keeping temperatures moderate is important, as AquaInfo notes that higher temperatures shorten the fishes' lifespan. As with other killifish, a tight cover prevents jumping losses.