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Red-Barred Killifish
Aphyosemion elberti
Also known as Aphyosemion elberti, Red Barred Killifish, Red Barred Killi, Red-Barred Lyretail, Elberti, Elbert's Killifish
The Red-Barred Killifish is a jewel-like small fish in which males display vivid red vertical bars and spots over a blue-green body, with ornate lyretail finnage that varies by locality form. Females are plainer brown but still attractively patterned. A peaceful, active fish that adds brilliant color to a well-planted nano or species tank.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.6 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 64–72°F
- 18–22°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 18–89 ppm
- 1–5 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 2-3 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
A micropredator in nature, A. elberti thrives on a varied diet of live and frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and small bloodworms. Dried foods (micro-pellets, crushed flake) are accepted by some individuals but should not be the staple. A small feeding once a day, eaten within a couple of minutes, keeps them in condition.
Behavior
Males are territorial toward one another and will spar persistently, so a single male kept with two or more females is the recommended ratio. Toward unrelated small fish the species is gentle and non-nippy. Killifish are accomplished jumpers, and a tight-fitting lid with no gaps is essential.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately challenging — a step above the easiest Aphyosemion species. Eggs are deposited in fine-leaved plants or spawning mops and should be collected regularly; they can be water-incubated for 12–20 days or incubated on moist peat. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii as a first food.
Tank mates
See all 3Peaceful bottom dweller that keeps to the floor; overlaps at about 20–22 °C (68–72 °F) in soft, slightly acidic water.
Shares the cool water, but prefers harder water than this killifish; they only meet at about 5 dGH.
Similar size and temperament, but it prefers warmer water; the two only overlap at about 22 °C (72 °F).
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Common diseases 4Velvet (Oodinium pilularis), Fungal Infection, Bacterial Fin Rot, Egg Fungus (during incubation)
Velvet (Oodinium pilularis)
Gold or rust-colored dust on skin, clamped fins, flashing against surfaces, rapid gill movement.
Raise temperature slightly (within tolerance), dim lights, treat with copper-based medication or acriflavine; quarantine new fish to prevent introduction.
Fungal Infection
White or gray cotton-like tufts on body or fins, often secondary to injury or stress.
Improve water quality, remove injured fish to a hospital tank, treat with antifungal medication such as methylene blue or commercial antifungal.
Bacterial Fin Rot
Fraying, discoloration, or erosion of fin edges, sometimes progressing to the body.
Water changes in matched, steady water, identify and correct water quality issues, treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial (e.g., kanamycin or tetracycline) if advanced.
Egg Fungus (during incubation)
White fungal growth on developing eggs, spreading to adjacent healthy eggs.
Remove fungused eggs immediately; add a small amount of methylene blue to incubation water or use anti-fungal peat to reduce incidence.
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.6 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 64–72°F18–22°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 18–89 ppm1–5 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 2-3 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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