Two-banded killifish

Aphyosemion bivittatum

Family : Nothobranchiidae

FishFreshwaterkillifish

The two-banded killifish is a small peaceful fish with bright colors, easy to keep and breed. It is perfect for beginners in killifish.

Two-banded killifish — photo 1 sur 2
Violaine2, France · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 2
Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
West Africa
Rivières ouest-africaines : Niger, Congo, Cameroun.

Description

The body is elongated and slightly laterally compressed. The base coloration is brown-yellow with two characteristic dark longitudinal bands: one median and one lower. The fins are often tinted red or orange in males. Females are duller. This species is very active and generally stays near the surface. It is peaceful and can coexist with other small calm fish. Adult size is 5-6 cm. Lifespan is 2-3 years. Reproduction is easy: eggs are laid on fine-leaved plants or mops.

Habitat

Region :

Swamps, forest streams and flooded areas, acidic and soft waters, often shaded.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2226 °C
pH67
GH28 °dGH
KH15 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.3 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
30 L
Min. group
3
Adult size
6 cm
Lifespan
3 years
Temperament
paisible
Propagation

Care notes

A 30-liter aquarium is sufficient for a pair or trio. The tank should be planted with shaded areas and floating cover. Filtration should be gentle (sponge). Ideal temperature is 22-26°C, pH 6.0-7.0, hardness 2-8 dGH. Diet is carnivorous: artemia, daphnia, bloodworms, small insects. Avoid overly large or aggressive fish. Water changes should be moderate (10-15% weekly). A lid is essential. Reproduction is simple: remove eggs to incubate separately.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References