Fish
Two-stripe Lyretail
Aphyosemion bivittatum
Origin: West Africa: southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, coastal plain drainages of the Cross River and Ndian River systems
Also known as: Twostripe lyretail, Red lyretail, Two-banded killi
Fact sheet
- Size
- 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 3 years
- Minimum tank size
- 40 L
- Temperature
- 20–25 °C
- pH
- 6–7
- Hardness GH
- 2–10 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Top
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Varieties
Overview
Aphyosemion bivittatum, the twostripe lyretail, is a small but strikingly colourful killifish of the family Aplocheilidae, popular among experienced aquarists. The species inhabits small forest streams and swamps of West Africa with soft, acidic water, including within the Korup and Cross River National Parks. Males display vivid colouration and elaborate lyre-shaped fins, while females are more modestly coloured and smaller. The fish are generally peaceful, though males may engage in brief sparring matches, so a ratio of one male to two or more females is recommended. The species thrives in soft, shaded water with abundant floating plants and gentle flow. Lifespan is around 3 years under good conditions.
Appearance
Males reach 5–6 cm in length. The body is brownish-grey to reddish-brown with two parallel dark stripes running along the flanks, from which the fish takes its name. Numerous red spots form a net-like pattern across the body, complemented by rows of small green dots with a metallic sheen. The caudal and anal fins are lyrate with elongated lobes. Females are noticeably smaller with dull brownish colouration and rounded fins.
Care
A 38–40 litre (10 gallon) tank is sufficient for a pair or trio. Water should be soft and slightly acidic: pH 5.8–7.0, hardness 1–8 dH, temperature 21–26°C (70–79°F). The tank should be shaded with floating plants, densely planted along the sides and back, leaving an open swimming area. Filtration should be gentle with minimal current to avoid stressing the fish. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are essential. A tight-fitting lid is necessary, as these fish are capable jumpers.
Feeding
In the wild they eat small insects, larvae, crustaceans, and worms. In the aquarium they prefer live and frozen foods: bloodworm, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia, and artemia nauplii. They can be trained to accept quality flakes or micro-pellets, but live food is always preferred for maintaining health and vibrant colouration. Feed small portions twice daily.
Compatibility
The twostripe lyretail is a peaceful but somewhat shy fish. A species-only tank or a community with small, calm fish of similar size is ideal. Avoid housing with large, aggressive, or very active species that cause stress. Males may spar when encountering each other, but serious injuries are uncommon.
Breeding
Breeding is not particularly difficult. Fish spawn in spawning mops or floating vegetation (surface spawning). Eggs should be collected and incubated separately in soft, acidic water at 24–27°C for 10–18 days depending on temperature. Fry hatch small and will immediately accept infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii. Growth is rapid with good feeding and clean water; sexual maturity is reached at 4–5 months.
Fun facts
The intensity of the stripe pattern changes with the fish's mood — during spawning, confrontations, or fright the stripes become more contrasted. In the wild, the species is found in Korup and Cross River National Parks on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Males from different local populations differ significantly in colouration details, making population collecting a rewarding pursuit.