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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Red-striped lyretail

Aphyosemion striatum

Red-striped lyretail (Aphyosemion striatum)
Aphyosemion striatum. Photo: Alexander Prokoshev, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Alexander Prokoshev (Wikimedia Commons) · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Proportional resize/compression only; no crop or colour edit. CC BY-SA 4.0.

The red-striped lyretail (Aphyosemion striatum) is a small, egg-laying killifish from coastal Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Its name reflects the red longitudinal markings along the flanks and fins, while mature males develop longer fin extensions and stronger colour than females. It is peaceful but relatively shy, and can be outcompeted at feeding time by faster fish. A tightly fitted lid is essential because it is an accomplished jumper. Specialist sources differ on minimum aquarium size, so this guide uses the larger documented recommendation: a base around 45 by 30 cm, approximately 41 litres. Stable water, shaded planting and a varied diet of small foods are more useful than chasing narrow readings. Java moss is specifically named as a fine-leaved egg-laying substrate. The sections below cover identification, habitat, daily care and breeding without treating a general compatibility list as proof for a particular pairing.

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At a glance

Temperature
22–24 °C
pH
6.5
GH
5–7 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 45 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 41 L
Adult size
Up to 5 cm
Group size
At least 2 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful, May jump, May compete for food

About this species

Aphyosemion striatum was described by Boulenger in 1911 and belongs to Nothobranchiidae. Seriously Fish reports about 5 cm standard length; AquaInfo also describes a fish of roughly 5 cm. Several red stripes or rows of spots run along the flanks, and the fins carry distinctive red markings. Adult males are usually larger and more intensely coloured, with longer caudal, dorsal and anal fins. Females tend to be less conspicuous with rounded fins. The species is non-annual and lives in permanent or perennial waters, unlike killifish adapted to pools that dry completely. Aquarium trade labels may include a locality code; retain such labels and avoid mixing distinct locality strains when their provenance matters. Buy fish under the accepted scientific name and never release aquarium animals into the wild.

Natural habitat

The accepted range includes coastal Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, from the lower Mitemele drainage to the lower Ogooué basin. Seriously Fish describes perennial lowland rainforest streams, pools and freshwater swamps. AquaInfo also notes pools and marshes in northern Gabon. Vegetation along the banks can shade shallow water and provide egg-laying surfaces. These descriptions explain why plant cover and moderate light are useful, but they do not mean that every aquarium should be filled with peat or made acidic by guesswork. Local habitats vary. Use tested source water, keep conditions stable and make changes gradually rather than trying to recreate a single collection locality without measurements. Natural pools and swamps can differ widely in depth, flow and vegetation. The habitat evidence supports providing cover, but does not justify copying one exact water colour, substrate or chemistry. Use measured values and the fish’s behaviour to guide husbandry.

Aquarium and layout

For a pair or trio, use a tank with a base close to 45 × 30 cm, about 41 litres, as recommended by Seriously Fish. Another specialist club lists smaller breeding volumes, so this guide follows the more spacious recommendation for routine keeping. Use a dark substrate, dense plant groups and wood or other safe cover. Floating plants can soften the light and give shelter near the surface. Maintain gentle flow and preserve open areas for normal swimming. Close the lid securely around every cable and hose: this species jumps exceptionally well. A covered aquarium also reduces sudden disturbance and helps retain stable conditions. Do not add peat or other water-changing materials without checking your water first.

Water conditions

Use a stable routine range of 22–24°C, pH about 6.5 and GH 5–7 dH. AquaInfo supports 22–24°C and pH 6.0–6.5; FishBase reports natural-water pH 6–7 and hardness 5–12 dH; Seriously Fish gives broader aquarium tolerances. The narrower values are a conservative guide, not a reason to adjust water abruptly. Test the aquarium and source water, acclimate new fish gradually and avoid sudden temperature or pH changes. A steady pH matters more than chasing a particular number. Do not add salt, peat or chemicals solely because they are sometimes used in killifish breeding setups.

Behaviour and group size

This is a peaceful, relatively shy fish. Seriously Fish warns that more vigorous tankmates can take food before the killifish reaches it. Choose companions only after considering adult size, activity, mouth size, water needs and available space; a general list of possible fish groups cannot confirm a specific pairing. Keep the species with its own kind as a pair or carefully composed small group, provide cover and watch feeding closely. Any community setup should be monitored after introduction, with a plan to separate fish if stress or missed meals appear. This guide does not name an individual fish species as a proven companion.

Feeding

Offer small portions of varied food. Seriously Fish says small live or frozen Daphnia and bloodworm are preferred, while good-quality flakes are often accepted. AquaInfo also mentions aquatic insects, larvae and Daphnia. A suitable complete flake may be part of the diet if the fish reliably eats it; supplement it with appropriate small live or frozen foods. Dried Daphnia can provide occasional variety, but it is not a complete staple. Moisten small portions and remove leftovers. Observe each fish during feeding so shyer individuals are not excluded by faster tankmates.

Breeding

Aphyosemion striatum lays eggs among fine vegetation or in a spawning mop. Seriously Fish specifically lists Taxiphyllum, including Java moss, as an option. Breeders may condition adults with varied live and frozen foods before moving a pair or trio to a separate spawning setup. Collect eggs gently if the goal is to raise more fry, because adults may eat some. Incubation time depends on method and temperature; sources describe water and damp peat approaches, but this guide avoids presenting one as mandatory. Newly hatched fry are tiny and need suitably fine first foods; later they can take Artemia nauplii. Maintain excellent water quality and plan space and responsible homes before breeding.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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