Red-striped killifish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the coastal streams of Equatorial Guinea and northern Gabon. Inhabits pristine rainforest puddles and shallow streams flowing over siliceous sand and silt beds, thickly shaded.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Red-striped Killifish (Aphyosemion striatum). Robust and proportionate Killi. Among the Aphyosemion species, it stands out clearly for an upward-oriented mouth apparatus and the unmistakable parallel lines (striae) on the flanks.

Social Behavior: One of the most peaceful and tolerant Killifish. It is highly recommended to beginners of Cyprinodontiformes. Can live in small groups without the males wearing themselves out in lethal fights, provided a refuge is guaranteed for the chased females.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males flaunt a dazzling livery: 4 or 5 horizontal lines of fused carmine-red spots run on a teal or pastel blue background. Females are drab, gray-brown, devoid of bright colors or evident bands.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 50 cm (20 inches). Create a miniature "Jungle": wood covered with Epiphytes (Microsorum), floating plants (Salvinia or Limnobium) to dampen the light intensity and dry oak or catappa leaves on the bottom.

Diet and Feeding: Mainly surface insectivore. Exceptionally appreciates wingless fruit flies (Drosophila) served on the surface. Feed regularly with frozen brine shrimp, white worms and daphnia. Almost always ignores industrial pellets.

Water Quality: Prefers surprisingly mild temperatures for an African fish (20-24°C / 68-75°F). Ensure the water is rich in tannins and soft (GH below 10). Poor water quality irreversibly debilitates it in a few days.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal for a quiet community nano-tank. Excellent companions are small dwarf Loricariids (Otocinclus) or microrasboras (Danio margaritatus). The strong food aggressiveness of large Characins or Barbs would cause it to starve to death.

Aquarium Reproduction: Non-annual spawners. The acrylic wool "Mop" method produces excellent results: the female attaches tiny amber eggs to it daily, which will hatch in 12-15 days. Fry feed on infusoria for the first week.

Risks and Diseases: In case of chronic stress caused by too strong water currents (invasive filtration), it will tend to clamp its fins and rock (shimming), an early symptom of external mycosis. Maniacally close the tank to avoid fatal jumps.