Killifish - Aphyosemion bivittatum

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Three Stripe Killifish, 3 Stripe Killifish Scientific Name: Aphyosemion bivittatum

Basic Info

Aphyosemion bivittatum are quite beautiful. Their bodies are mostly brown and red, with yellow and gold strips. At maturity, the Three Stripe Killifish will reach a size of two and a half inches. Male Three Stripe Killifish have very large dorsal and anal fins. Their caudal fin also has several long rays. The female's fins are not as large.

Health

Aphyosemion bivittatum is very easy to care for. They should be kept in water with a temperature range between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH level of the water should be slightly acidic, with a range of six to seven and a half. Aphyosemion bivittatum can be feed live foods, flake foods, freeze-dried and frozen foods. They prefer live aquatic insects, and ants. Breeding Aphyosemion bivittatum is an egg scatterer. These fish require a period of incubation that ranges between 10 days to three weeks. The actual length of incubation time is temperature dependant. After spawning the parents should be removed, as they may eat the young. The average lifespan of Aphyosemion bivittatum will range between two to four years.

Habitat

Fresh water fish - found in small streams found around the Gulf of Guinea

Behavior

Aphyosemion bivittatum also known as the "Three Stripe Killifish" is one of the most popular killifish among hobbyists worldwide. Their popularity may come from the fact that they are relatively easy to keep and breed. This makes them a wonderful beginner's fish. Aphyosemion bivittatum is a peaceful fish, and will go well into most communities. It will do best, however, if kept with its own kind. It is a shy and reclusive fish, and should probably not be kept with over active, aggressive fish. If two males are kept together, they might occasionally spar. However, the Aphyosemion bivittatum will do nothing more than flare there fins and dance around, which can be quite entertaining. Aphyosemion bivittatum will do best in medium to large tanks, with peat as a substrate, and live plants. Killifish are generally not common in pet stores, and beginners should contact their local killifish societies or clubs for information on how to acquire these wonderful fish.

Origin

Africa

History

Aphyosemion bivittatum is native to West Africa, and is commonly found in small streams found around the Gulf of Guinea. Like most killifish, enthusiasts will refer to this fish by its scientific name much more readily than by common names. This may be intimidating to those new to the hobby, but it is actually much easier to keep track of different fish by this method. With many animals common names are often misleading and used for several different species of animal. The use of the killifish's scientific name prevents this type of confusion.

Common Foods

N/A