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Twostripe Aphyosemion
Aphyosemion bivittatum
Also known as Two-Striped Aphyosemion, Bivittatum Killifish
Animalia›Chordata›Cyprinodontiformes›Nothobranchiidae
The Twostripe Aphyosemion is a small, colorful West African killifish known for its distinctive two dark stripes running along its body and vibrant fin coloration. Males display brilliant blues, reds, and yellows, making them popular among killifish enthusiasts. These are annual fish in nature but can live 1-2 years in captivity with proper care.
Where it's from
Native to the Calabar River, Cross, Dibamba, Ebe and 16 other river basins
Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Benin
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F
- 20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small live foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and small brine shrimp daily or every other day. Frozen foods can be offered as supplements but live foods are strongly preferred. Feed small portions as they have tiny mouths and can only consume appropriately sized prey.
Behavior
Twostripe Aphyosemion are relatively active fish that spend time in the middle water column hunting for food. Males can be territorial and aggressive toward each other, so they should be kept singly or in heavily planted tanks with multiple hiding spots. They are shy fish that appreciate dim lighting and dense vegetation.
Breeding
These are annual killifish that breed readily in captivity. Provide a spawning substrate of peat moss or fine sand where pairs will deposit eggs. Remove eggs and incubate them in moist peat for 4-6 weeks at cooler temperatures. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar size and peaceful nature, though killifish may occasionally nip at them
Small, peaceful community fish that coexist well in planted tanks
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy similar niches without direct competition
Peaceful bottom dweller that helps with algae and doesn't compete for food
May be eaten by killifish; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with ample hiding
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Velvet Disease (Oodinium), Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 26-28 C (79-82 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper tank maintenance and avoid aggressive tankmates
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use copper-based treatment or formalin; perform daily water changes and maintain pristine conditions
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use antibiotic medication; improve water quality and reduce stress through proper tank setup
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. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 68–75°F20–24°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 1-2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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