African Killifish (aphyosemion bivittatum)

Aphyosemion bivittatum
Description & Care (Bullet Form)

Description

• Common name: Two-Stripe Killifish.

• Striking small killifish with vivid red, orange, and blue patterns, especially in males.

• Slender body with two horizontal dark stripes running along the sides.

• Males are brightly colored with extended fins; females are smaller and duller.

• Grows around 4–6 cm.

• Egg-laying killifish—non-annual species.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 30–40 L for a small group.

• Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 5.5–7.0.

• Temperature: 20–24 °C (cooler than most tropical fish).

• Gentle filtration; calm water flow.

• Needs clean, mature, well-maintained water.

Aquascaping

• Dimly lit, heavily planted tank with floating plants.

• Leaf litter, peat moss, and fine-leaved plants (Java moss, hornwort) recommended.

• Add small caves, coconut shells, spawning mops, or dense vegetation for cover.

• Dark substrate enhances colors.

Diet & Feeding

• Carnivorous; thrives on live or frozen foods.

• Feed daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, grindal worms, bloodworms.

• May accept high-quality micro pellets and flakes once trained.

• Small, frequent feedings help maintain condition.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful but best in species-only or small community with calm tankmates.

• Keep 1 male with 2–3 females to reduce male harassment.

• Avoid fin-nippers and active fish that may stress them.

• Perfect companions: small rasboras, pencilfish, shrimp (with caution), otocinclus.

Breeding

• Egg-scattering species; lays eggs in fine plants or mops.

• Eggs incubate for 2–3 weeks depending on temperature.

• Parents may eat eggs—remove eggs or move parents.

• Fry require infusoria and baby brine shrimp.

Challenges

• Sensitive to poor water quality and temperature fluctuations.

• Needs soft, clean water, specialized diet, and calm environment.

Key Selling Points (for store use)

• Beautiful, colorful, and highly sought-after killifish for planted nano tanks.

• Perfect for species tanks, biotope setups, and breeding hobbyists.