五线旗鮰 · Red-Striped Lyretail

Overview

Aphyosemion striatum, the red-striped lyretail, is a relatively straightforward nonannual killifish to breed. Its peaceful, rather shy behavior means that access to food and sheltered space needs particular attention when more active fishes are present.

Distribution & habitat

The range appears to extend from the lower Mitemele in Equatorial Guinea to the lower Ogooué in Gabon, including intervening coastal systems such as the Mbei and Komo. The type locality is in the Abanga, an Ogooué tributary. Permanent streams, pools, and freshwater swamps in lowland coastal rainforest provide its habitat.

Aquarium setup

Use a footprint of at least about 45 × 30 cm. Dark substrate, dense planting, and wood create cover, while floating vegetation softens the light. A close-fitting cover is necessary to prevent jumping escapes.

Diet & feeding

Wild members of Aphyosemion generally eat aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In captivity, red-striped lyretails favor small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and bloodworms, and most accept quality flakes. Check that the fish actually receive their share instead of losing every meal to more vigorous companions.

Behaviour & compatibility

Carefully selected peaceful tetras, small cyprinids, dwarf cichlids, and catfishes may be suitable. Companions must be neither too domineering nor small enough to be swallowed. This shy species benefits from arrangements that limit feeding competition and disturbance.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males are larger and more strongly colored, with elongated caudal, dorsal, and anal fins.

Breeding

A male with two females or a single pair can be used, although trios sometimes produce fewer collected eggs. Condition the sexes separately to give females a break from repeated spawning. Use near-neutral water within the species' normal temperature range, without direct artificial illumination. Gentle sponge filtration helps prevent stagnation.

Eggs are placed in bottom material or among plants. Peat moss, fine plants, and artificial mops are possible media; mops over a bare base make maintenance and collection easier. Daily batches may contain around 20–30 eggs. Separate the parents for recovery after about a week, particularly to protect the female from exhaustion.

Collected eggs can develop in water or on damp peat moss in a small container. Remove moldy eggs and keep incubation dark. Water incubation generally lasts 10–14 days. Damp-incubated eggs can be wetted after approximately 18 days to encourage hatching. Label each batch with species, dates, and egg counts.

New fry initially require infusoria-sized food. Artemia nauplii or microworms can follow after about two days. Keep water shallow at first and gradually increase its depth as the fry grow. Feed small portions twice daily, change small amounts of water every two or three days, and watch closely for poor water quality and velvet parasites.

Notes

Useful markings include two to four parallel red stripes on the caudal peduncle, red bands near the base and margin of the dorsal fin, and red spots in the center of the tail rather than concentric patterns or vertical bars. Nonannual life history does not establish a fixed lifespan in years.