俄冈旗鮰 · Broken-Line Lyretail

Overview

Aphyosemion ogoense, the broken-line lyretail, is a nonannual killifish from forest streams and favors relatively cool conditions. Numerous local forms exist. Preserve collection labels and keep forms apart to avoid crossing distinct bloodlines.

Distribution & habitat

It was first described from the M'Passa in the upper Ogooué system of southeastern Gabon. The known range extends into northern and central Republic of the Congo. Small streams beneath forest cover, holding water throughout the year, are typical habitats.

Aquarium setup

A pair or trio can use an aquarium with a footprint around 45 × 25 cm or larger. Dense plants and other cover provide retreats, and floating vegetation diffuses direct light. Fit the lid securely because the fish are capable jumpers.

Diet & feeding

Small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and bloodworms are preferred, though quality flakes are usually accepted. A varied menu is particularly useful when conditioning adults for breeding.

Behaviour & compatibility

A species aquarium is the simplest way to meet its needs. Any companions must tolerate cooler water and be restrained enough not to dominate feeding. Keep different locality forms in separate breeding lines.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are markedly more colorful and have longer dorsal, caudal, and anal fins than females.

Breeding

Prepare a dim aquarium with gentle sponge filtration to prevent stagnation. Slightly acidic, cool water around pH 6.0–6.5 and 18–20 °C is appropriate. Condition males and females separately before selecting a vigorous male and a gravid female. Trios can also spawn, but the uninvolved individual may eat eggs.

Eggs are placed in bottom material or among plants. Fine plants, mops, or peat moss can serve as the spawning medium; mops over a bare base simplify collection and cleaning. About 10–20 eggs may be laid daily. Separate the adults for recovery after roughly a week to prevent prolonged spawning from exhausting the female. Remove eggs gently if a larger brood is desired, because parents may eat eggs and fry.

Incubate eggs in shallow water or on damp peat moss in a small container. Both methods need darkness and prompt removal of moldy eggs. Water incubation usually takes 12–21 days. With damp incubation, wetting the eggs after about 18 days can induce hatching. Label containers with species, locality, dates, and egg counts.

Free-swimming fry can take Artemia nauplii immediately. Progressively introduce larger and frozen foods after about two weeks. Keep the initial water level shallow and increase it as the fry grow. Feed small portions twice daily, make small water changes every two or three days, and watch water quality closely because fry are susceptible to velvet disease.

Notes

More than twenty locality forms are known, and some have been assigned subspecific names. Regardless of naming rank, accurate lineage records and prevention of interbreeding remain important.