Ijebu Ode
Aphyosemion calliurum
Origin: West Africa: coastal rainforest zones from southern Benin and southern Nigeria to southwestern Cameroon
Also known as: Banner lyretail killifish, Calliurum killifish
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
Overview
Population from southwestern Nigeria. Characterised by a dense red pattern and distinct blue margins on the caudal fin.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
Adults reach 4.5–6.5 cm in length. Males have a bluish-green body with rows of red spots on the flanks and brightly coloured margins to the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The caudal fin in males is lyrate with elongated lobes. The body build of calliurum is stockier than that of the closely related Aphyosemion australe. Females are brownish-grey with rounder fins and a subdued pattern.
Care
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
A 20–60 litre tank is adequate for this species. Water parameters: pH 5.8–7.2, hardness up to 10 dH, temperature 22–26°C (72–79°F). The tank should be planted with live plants and have floating vegetation for shade. Filtration should be gentle with minimal current. Regular water changes of 20–25% weekly are required. A secure lid is essential as the fish are prone to jumping from open tanks.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
Feeds on small live and frozen foods: bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex, and artemia nauplii. High-quality dry foods such as flakes or micro-pellets are accepted, though live food is preferred. Feed in small portions twice daily. A varied diet promotes vivid colouration and successful reproduction.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
A peaceful species best kept in a species tank or with small, calm fish of similar size. Avoid housing with large or aggressive species. Males may display rivalry through ritual displays, but serious injuries are rare. Compatible with dwarf cichlids and small, peaceful tetras of similar size.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
A typical top-spawning killifish that deposits eggs in floating spawning mops or fine-leaved plants. Eggs are incubated separately in soft water at 24–27°C for 10–20 days. Fry are small and feed on infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii. Sexual maturity is reached at around 4–5 months under good conditions.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Banner Lyretail
The species has a complicated synonymy — in aquarium literature it has appeared as Aphyosemion unicolor, Aphyosemion vexillifer, and Epiplatys flavus. Geographic populations vary considerably in colour intensity and pattern, making this species interesting for collectors. The body build of calliurum is noticeably stockier than that of the closely related Aphyosemion australe.