▷ Striped killifish | Aphyosemion striatum

Data sheet Striped killifish

German name:
Striped killifish

Scientific name:
Aphyosemion striatum

Origin:
Africa

Size:
Body length up to 6 cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 60 cm width and from 30 cm width

Contents:
from 54 liters

water values

Temperature:
21°- 23° C

pH:
6.5-7

GH:
5° – 12° dH

Behave

Area:
lower area

Lining:
small live food

Behave:
peaceful

Number:
from 8 animals

Difficulty level:
medium

Origin

Striped killifish are killifish. Due to their colorful appearance, they are among the most popular ornamental fish. Their homeland is in Africa, where they live in the shallow riparian regions of small streams in Gabon.

attitude

The killifish should be in one species tank being held. Although they are mostly considered peaceful fish, they do not tolerate restless and very lively roommates. They like living in small groups of eight to twelve Members with excess females (e.g. 1 male with 2 females). Within a group there is one strict ranking. The males compete with each other, defend their territory and sometimes even drive the females ahead of them.

A species-appropriate aquarium has an average size of 60 cm edge length and a water height of 20 cm. Killifish don’t like bright light and prefer to stay in the lower zones. For your well-being, the vegetative facility consists of standing and floating plants. The floating plants provide a subdued light and a island-like design made of dense vegetation and bog pine roots serves the hunted inhabitants as a safe shelter from attackers. The right bottom for killifish is dark and consists of soft sand.

A good peat filter system ensures clean and clear water in the aquarium. Since the animals sometimes jump out of the water, one should good coverage secure the pool.

food

In the wild, striped killifish prefer to eat insects. The food in the aquarium consists of small live food such as mosquito larvae and fruit flies. Alternatively, frozen food can also be given.

The young fish receive parameciums or other infusoria drop by drop as first food. Artemia nauplii is given later.

gender differences

The sex difference of Aphyosemion striatum is easily recognized by the external features. The females are much more plainly colored with a light brown tint than the colorful males. In addition, the fins are transparent and have only a few red dots.

The males, on the other hand, glow red and green. The upper half of the body is green and has longitudinal rows of red dots. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are yellowish in color and adorned with blue-green markings. The fins are extended.

Also the Body size of the sexes is different. The males are about 1 cm larger than the females.

breeding and rearing

Striped killifish are good ones detention spawner. A 2 liter tank is sufficient as a breeding tank. A tuft of java moss serves as spawning substrate. The water must be soft and slightly acidic.

In order for breeding to be successful, the females must outnumber the males. In a basin of 50 liters of water content 1 male and 2 to 3 females set. If there are 2 or more males in the tank instead, competition and territorial fights determine everyday life and courtship and reproduction do not take place.

A pregnant female gives up to 30 eggs. These stick to the twigs of the java moss with adhesive threads. The parents are then placed back in the species tank. The larvae hatch after 10 days to 14 days.

If spawning fails, good feeding and temporary sex separation can encourage reproduction. Increasing or lowering the water level and changing the water with pure osmosis water can also help.

Measures to be taken when Aphyosemion striatum fails to spawn

Possible spawning substrates

socialization

Striped killifish can be easily socialized with mussels, snails and larger shrimps from 4 cm. We also recommend pike or light-eyed fish.

Well cared for fish can about 5 years old earth.

Aphyosemion striatum: