Red-Striped Killifish

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Scientific Name

Aphyosemion striatum

Min. Tank Size

15 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

69-73°F

pH

6.0-7.0/5-12°dGH

Size

2"

Diet

Omnivore/Prefers live foods

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Can be kept with small community species such as Rasboras, Characins, Dwarf Cichlids, Corydoras, Catfish and Anabantids.

Red-Striped Killifish

The Red-Striped Killifish is named for the vibrant red stripes running laterally along the bodies of the males of this species. Male Red-Striped Killifish may also exhibit red spots on the caudal fin and red banding or edging on the dorsal and anal fins. Females typically exhibit a dull brownish coloration and have colorless fins – some specimens do have black edging on the dorsal fin. The Red-Striped Killifish is native to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea where it can be found in coastal rainforest streams. Unlike many species of Killifish, this species inhabits permanent bodies of water and it is not an annual species.

Tank Set-Up

These fish are fairly easy to keep in the home aquarium and may not even require a heater because they tend to prefer cooler water temperatures – high temperatures will shorten their lifespan. The ideal tank for Red-Striped Killifish will be lined with dark substrate and decorated with areas of dense planting and pieces of driftwood. Floating plants can be used to diffuse the lighting and the aquarium water should be filtered through peat. These Killifish are a very peaceful species and can be kept with other small, community species like Dwarf Cichlids, Rasboras and Corydoras. As with all Killifish, use a tight cover since they are accomplished jumpers!

Feeding

Red-Striped Killifish are fond of live and frozen foods. For optimum health and coloration, feed a varied diet of live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms along with a good quality flake.

Breeding

Breeding this species is fairly easy if the right conditions in the spawning tank are met. The spawning tank should be filled with soft, acidic water having a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 and kept at a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees. Following spawning, the eggs should be removed to a small, peat-lined container for incubation. After 10 to 14 days the eggs will hatch and the young fry can be raised on infusoria until they grow large enough to accept brine shrimp.