Aphyosemion striatum Care Guide
Aphyosemion striatum is a small non-annual killifish from coastal Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, kept in soft, peaceful blackwater aquaria.
Overview
Aphyosemion striatum is a small West-Central African killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae. According to FishBase it is not a seasonal killifish and reaches up to 6.0 cm total length. Males are larger and more intensely coloured than females, with longer caudal, dorsal and anal fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nothobranchiidae
- Genus: Aphyosemion
- Scientific name: Aphyosemion striatum
Habitat
Seriously Fish reports the species from West-Central Africa between the lower Mitémélé drainage in Equatorial Guinea and the lower Ogooué basin in Gabon, including the Abanga River. It inhabits lowland rainforest streams, pools and freshwater swamps in coastal areas.
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
The species is a micropredator. Seriously Fish notes a preference for small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and bloodworm, with quality flake also accepted.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes A. striatum as peaceful and rather shy, easily outcompeted by boisterous fish. It is an accomplished jumper, so a tight-fitting cover is essential. Suitable companions include small tetras, peaceful cyprinids, Corydoras and dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, females deposit roughly 20-30 eggs daily over about two weeks among substrate or fine-leaved vegetation. Eggs incubated in water hatch in 10-14 days, or about 18 days on damp peat. Fry first take infusoria, then Artemia nauplii.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), per FishBase.