Two-banded killifish
Aphyosemion bivittatum
A West African killifish of subtle charm, appreciated by collectors for its numerous geographic variants with distinct colorations. Males display two dark longitudinal bands on a reddish base with fins shaded in blue and yellow. A non-annual species relatively long-lived for a killi, it can live 3–4 years. A dedicated carnivore that strongly prefers live food — mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp — accepting dry food reluctantly. Its soft, acidic water requirements make it a dedicated biotope fish rather than a generic community member.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 26 °C
pH-Wert
6 - 7.2
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Oberfläche und Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
5 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 30 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 3
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
63 - 375 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from streams and coastal pools in south-eastern Nigeria and south-western Cameroon. Inhabits the marginal and shaded areas of freshwater rivulets, rich in submerged roots and leaf litter.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Two-striped Killifish (Aphyosemion bivittatum / ex-Chromaphyosemion bivittatum). The name "bivittatum" comes from the two longitudinal black stripes on the flanks, visible especially in females or stressed males.
Social Behavior: Typically shy, prefers the protection of a thick plant tangle. Males engage in extensive "displays", fully spreading their wide fins to intimidate rivals or charm females, rarely causing serious injuries.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The male is a kaleidoscope of colors: golden-reddish body, blue/metallic green iridescence and wide veiled dorsal and anal fins towering on the back ("Sailfin"). Females are brownish and show the two horizontal lines markedly.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: 60 cm (24 inches) aquarium for one or two pairs. Very dark water (Blackwater) filtered with peat and woods releasing tannins. Abundance of Anubias, Java ferns and mosses needed to create dens and spawning sites. Dim lighting.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Does not survive well on flake food alone. Requires brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, white worms (Grindal worms) and frozen bloodworms. Live food immediately triggers the hunting instinct and reproductive colors.
Water Quality: Stable water parameters are fundamental: tolerates modest chemical variations, but a rapid drop in pH or thermal shocks can be lethal. Excellent biological filtration without direct currents is vital.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Fish to be kept strictly in a monospecific tank or, at most, in an ultra-peaceful nano-community aquarium (Small Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras). Do not mix with other Killifish of the Chromaphyosemion genus to avoid fatal hybridizations.
Aquarium Breeding: Non-annual Killifish. Lays a few adhesive eggs a day in mosses (or on acrylic yarn mops). Eggs take about 14-18 days to hatch lying in water (water incubation). It is prudent to isolate the eggs from the greedy parents.
Risks and Diseases: High susceptibility to bacteriosis of the long and delicate fins if tank hygiene is poor. Unstoppable tendency to jump: a perfect cover without the slightest crack is the only way not to find them dried out on the floor.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Originating from streams and coastal pools in south-eastern Nigeria and south-western Cameroon. Inhabits the marginal and shaded areas of freshwater rivulets, rich in submerged roots and leaf litter.
Ursprung
Afrika und Madagaskar
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- This species exhibits a generally peaceful temperament, making it suitable for community tanks with appropriate tankmates. However, males can be territorial and will display minor aggression towards rival males of the same or similar species. They are timid fish that can easily become stressed by hyperactive or large tankmates. Providing plenty of hiding spaces and visual barriers helps minimize territorial disputes and keeps them calm.
- Diät
- Carnivore
- Aphyosemion bivittatum is primarily carnivorous and feeds mainly on small insects and larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, they thrive on a varied diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. While some individuals may eventually accept high-quality flakes or micro-pellets, a diet dominated by live or frozen fare is highly recommended to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.
- Lebenserwartung
- 2-3 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 5 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Harem
- It is highly recommended to keep Aphyosemion bivittatum in pairs or in harems consisting of one male and two or three females. This stocking arrangement helps to distribute the male's persistent courtship behavior and reduces harassment of a single female. In larger setups, multiple males can be kept together, provided there are enough females and plenty of visual barriers to establish territories. Keeping them in groups with an equal or higher ratio of females will ensure a peaceful community.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Aphyosemion bivittatum once or twice daily. Providing small portions that they can consume within a few minutes prevents excess food from decaying and fouling the water. Offering a rotating variety of foods throughout the week will ensure complete nutrition and simulate natural feeding behaviors. Young fry or breeding pairs may benefit from more frequent, smaller feedings of high-protein live foods.
- Bioload
- Low
- Aphyosemion bivittatum has a low biological footprint due to its small adult size of approximately 5 centimeters. In captivity, their waste production is minimal and can be easily managed with a gentle sponge filter or a low-flow hang-on-back filter. They are highly sensitive to spikes in ammonia and nitrite, making regular partial water changes essential. Over-filtering is not necessary, but maintaining stable water quality is critical for their health.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- This species prefers very gentle or weak water flow, mimicking their natural habitat of slow-moving streams and marshes. Strong currents can exhaust these small fish and cause chronic stress, leading to health issues. An air-driven sponge filter or a filter with an adjustable flow rate is ideal for their setup. Using dense vegetation and floating plants can also help baffle any remaining water current in the tank.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- Like almost all killifish, Aphyosemion bivittatum is an exceptional and powerful jumper. They can easily escape through the smallest opening in the aquarium cover, which is often fatal. Therefore, a very tight-fitting lid or cover slide is absolutely mandatory for their enclosure. Floating plants can also help deter jumping behavior by covering the water surface and making the fish feel more secure.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Aphyosemion bivittatum is moderately easy and follows a typical non-annual killifish spawning pattern. They are egg-scatterers that deposit adhesive eggs on fine-leafed plants or artificial spawning mops. Eggs hatch in water after approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the temperature. Because adults may eat their own eggs and fry, it is best to breed them in a separate spawning tank or remove the eggs to a dedicated rearing container.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Peaceful
- Aphyosemion bivittatum is compatible with other small, peaceful, and slow-moving species. Ideal tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful corydoras, and dwarf cichlids that share similar water requirements. They should not be housed with large, aggressive, or fast-swimming species that might outcompete them for food or nip their delicate fins. Similarly, keeping them with very tiny shrimp is risky, as the shrimp may be treated as prey.
- Tankfüllstand
- Top/Middle
- Aphyosemion bivittatum primarily occupies the middle and upper levels of the water column. In their natural habitat, they dwell in shallow waters and wait near the surface for falling insects. In the aquarium, they will spend most of their time swimming among floating plants and mid-water foliage. Providing plenty of tall and floating vegetation will encourage them to explore these preferred zones comfortably.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3,2 ± 0,5 se
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.00603, b = 3.13
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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