INDEX
KILLIFISH
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THE FISH
Killifish (A. bitaeniatum)
Aphyosemion bitaeniatum
| HABITS |
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These killifish can be kept in a community tank with most other similar sized fish, although the males may harass surface dwelling fish occupying their territory and also male Guppies because of their long fins. They will also get stroppy with each other from time to time, so it is better to have either 1 male with 1 or 2 females, or a group of 3 or more pairs in order to ease any aggression. A secure aquarium cover is a must as these critters can jump! They prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5 - 7.0) and temperatures between 70ºF and 77ºF. C. bitaeniatum, which come from the West African countries of Nigeria, Togo, and Benin, are among the more common species of this family to be seen in the aquaria.
Text supplied by the BKA for more information about killifish, visit the British Killifish Association website at www.bka.org.uk
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| SIZE |
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They can grow to 4.5 cm, but will breed at 2.5 cm.
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| FOOD |
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These fish prefer live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp. lobster eggs, or mosquito larvae, but may take some freeze-dried foods. See recommended sera Foods below,
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FOOD
TYPES |
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| SEXING |
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The males, when displaying to a female or to a rival male, fan out their fins like a peacock and the 2 stripes on the body almost disappear and are replaced with a lilac coloured sheen. The females have short, almost colourless, rounded fins and retain the 2 stripes at all times.
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| BREEDING |
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A male, together with 1 - 2 females in a small, well furnished tank with soft, slightly acidic water between 72ºF and 77ºF will spawn in fine leafed plants or breeding mops. Eggs can usually be found among the densely packed strands at the tops of breeding mops. The eggs are like tiny glass beads about 1 mm in diameter. It is usually best to transfer the eggs to a separate tank or container filled with about 5 cm of water in order to prevent the risk of the adults making a meal of them. The fry will hatch in 14 to 21 days and will take microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp immediately. It is possible to raise fry in the parents' tank without trouble, but it is down to the mood of the individual fish.
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The Fish
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