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Two-Striped Lampeye
Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum
📍 West Africa
The Two-Striped Lampeye is a tiny, peaceful killifish native to West Africa, known for its distinctive two dark stripes running along its body and bright eye-spot markings. These nano fish are perfect for small planted aquariums and are best kept in groups to display their natural schooling behavior. They are relatively hardy and make excellent additions to community tanks with other small, peaceful species.
Care Guide
Diet
Two-Striped Lampeyes are carnivorous and require small live or frozen foods such as microworms, daphnia, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. They may be reluctant to accept dry foods but can be trained with patience.
Behavior
These tiny killifish are active swimmers that prefer to stay in the middle water column, often hovering near plants. They are peaceful and social, displaying best behavior when kept in groups of 6 or more where they exhibit natural schooling patterns. They are shy and appreciate densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Breeding
Two-Striped Lampeyes are egg-scatterers that can breed in well-established planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires patience; fry are extremely small and need infusoria or liquid fry food initially. Separating breeding pairs into a dedicated breeding tank increases success rates.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer small groups
Comparable nano fish with matching water parameter requirements
Provides shelter and creates natural-looking planted environment
Peaceful invertebrate that shares similar water conditions
Dense vegetation provides hiding spots and spawning substrate
Small peaceful algae eater compatible with nano setups
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt at recommended doses, or treat with copper-free ich medication
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes, reduce stress by providing hiding spots, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Increase aeration and temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment, reduce light exposure
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, torn fins, behavioral changes, loss of appetite
Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent water changes, isolate affected fish, treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live and frozen foods
- lifespan
- 2-3 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.2 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)