Twostripe Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion bivittatum

📍 West Africa

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.

Size1.5"

Min Tank10g

semi-aggressive

Zonemiddle

Care Guide

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

Neon Tetra

Similar size and peaceful nature, though killifish may occasionally nip at them

good

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful community fish that coexist well in planted tanks

good

Least Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy similar niches without direct competition

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dweller that helps with algae and doesn't compete for food

good

Amano Shrimp

May be eaten by killifish; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with ample hiding

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper tank maintenance and avoid aggressive tankmates

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching

Treatment

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