14 December 2022 0 Comments

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Long-lived killifish from West Africa

Non-seasonal killifish from West Africa
Breeding killifishes from West Africa
- Breeding preparation and rearing
An (incomplete) list of killifishes for the aquarium from West Africa

General information on keeping and breeding killifishes or egg-laying toothcarps can be found in our blog"Keeping and breeding killifishes in the aquarium". This is specifically about the non-seasonal egg-laying toothcarps from West Africa.

Non-seasonal killifishes from West Africa

The most well-known genera of killifish in aquaristics - Aplocheilichthys, Fundulopanchax, Aphyosemion, Scriptaphyosemion, Epiplatys and many more come from West Africa. In their West African homeland, these genera live in waters that often do not dry out at all or only dry out for a very short time. Most West African killies need rather soft to medium-hard water in the aquarium - water that is too hard will cause them to stop spawning.

Breeding killies from West Africa

Most West African killies are not difficult to breed. The eggs of most species do not depend on a dry period for maturation. Killis from West Africa are also non-annual. They like to spawn in peat fibres, spawning mops or moss cushions.

Killies are sometimes quite predators. For a targeted breeding of your West African killies, we recommend a separate rearing aquarium in which the parent fish spawn and are taken out again afterwards. This increases the number of young fish that grow to a healthy size.

Breeding preparation and rearing

Prepare the breeding pair for spawning with high-quality, rich live food and larger water changes with softer, slightly cooler water. As a rule, courtship begins quite soon.

After spawning, take the breeding pair out of the breeding aquarium - killifish are quite spawn predators and would also eat their own offspring.

Depending on their size, feed the fry first with infusoria or directly with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii.

An (incomplete) list of killifishes for the aquarium from West Africa

Many luminous eye fish, splendid killifish and pike fish from West Africa are widely used in aquaristics. Although not all killifishes from there are super easy to keep, these egg-laying toothcarps are more durable and very often just as colourful as their siblings from East Africa. Here follows a (long, but by no means exhaustive) list of the most popular killifishes from West Africa that are common in aquaristics.

The luminescent eye fish

The genus Aplocheilithys - flare-eye fishes

Aplocheilichthys spilauchen - banded lighteye fish: The banded lighteye fish is a brackish water fish from West Africa that likes to swim and needs salt supplementation in freshwater aquariums. In the aquarium it can live up to 4 years if kept well.
Recommended water values: GH 10 to 30, KH over 8, pH 7 to 8.5, temperature 25 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: at least 10 animals.

Aplocheilichthys sp. - yellow lion's eye fish: The yellow lion's eye fish from the genus Aplocheilichthys belongs to an as yet undetermined species. This nice, about 4 cm small killifish from West Africa can live up to 4 years if kept under good conditions.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 15, KH below 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: at least 10 individuals

The genus Poropanchax - Luminous Eyefishes

Poropanchax normani - Norman's Luminous Eyefish: Norman's Luminous Eyefish is a persistent aquarium fish that can live up to 10 years. Formerly known as Aplocheilichthys normani, the blue lighteye has now been placed in the genus Poropanchax. There is an albino variant of Poropanchax normani, the albino Norman's lighteye fish "Blue Eye" and various site variants such as Poropanchax normani "Killisis River"
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 19, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: at least 10 individuals

Poropanchax luxophthalmus (hannerzi) - Orange Fringed Luminous Eyefish: The Orange Fringed Luminous Eyefish (formerly Poropanchax hannerzi, now luxopthalmus) is a killifish up to 4 cm long from the south of Togo, Benin and Nigeria as well as the west and southwest of Cameroon in West Africa. In the aquarium it can live up to 4 years if kept well.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 to 10 individuals

Subgenus Congopanchax - Luminous Eyefishes

Poropanchax (Congopanchax) brichardi - Brichards Hummingbird L uminous Eyefish : Congopanchax brichardi or Brichards Luminous Eyefish is sometimes also listed as Poropanchax brichardi. This tiny killifish from the Congo Basin is a real nano fish - the males grow to only 2.5 cm, the females to only 2 cm. Congopanchax brichardi eats the finest live food and can only grow to a maximum of 4 cm. The small sociable schooling fish comes from Nigeria and Cameroon and should be as long-lived in the aquarium as the blue luminescent eyefish.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 8, temperature 20 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 30 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 to 10 individuals

The genus Micropanchax - Luminous Eyefishes

Micropanchax macrophthalmus - blue / red luminescent eye fish : The blue or red luminescent eye fish only grows to a maximum of 4 cm. This small, sociable schooling fish comes from Nigeria and Cameroon and should be as long-lived in the aquarium as the blue lionfish.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 8, temperature 20 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 to 10 specimens.

The genus Rhexipanchax - Luminous Eyefishes

Rhexipanchax nimbaensis - Mount Nimba Luminous Eye : This small luminous eye fish from the southeast of Guinea and the north of Liberia and the Ivory Coast grows to a maximum of only 4.5 cm. The small sociable and rather inconspicuous schooling fish should live in the aquarium for a similar length of time as the Blue Gloweye.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 - 10 individuals

The genus Foerschichthys - Luminous Eyefishes

Foerschichthys flavipinnis - Orange fin lionfish: The orange fin lionfish from the southeast of Ghana, the south of Togo and Benin, the southwest of Nigeria to the Niger Delta in West Africa. The orangefin shiner remains quite small in the aquarium with a length of about 3.5 cm. Its life expectancy is not known, but should be around 2-3 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 23 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 to 10 animals in a shoal, in larger aquariums also more.

The genus Procatopus - Luminous Eyefishes

Procatopus aberrans (gracilis) - Glittering Luminous Eyefish: The eyes of the Glittering Luminous Eyefish from Nigeria and Cameroon / West Africa are copper-coloured, not blue. The glitter luminescent eyefish grows to a rather medium size in the aquarium with a length of about 6 cm. Its life expectancy is 2-3 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 20 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 8 to 15 animals in a shoal, in larger aquariums even more.

Procatopus similis - Wide-eyed lionfish: The wide-eyed lionfish from Cameroon / West Africa reaches a length of about 7 cm in the aquarium. Its life expectancy is not documented, but should be around 2-3 years. Here in the shop available location variants are Procatopus similis "Mukuyaka, Cameroon", Procatopus similis "Yabassi, Cameroon", Procatopus similis "Bidou, Cameroon", Procatopus similis " Edea, Cameroon", Procatopus similis " Idenau, Cameroon", Procatopus similis " Moliwe, Cameroon" and Procatopus similis "Mundemba, Cameroon".
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 5 to 10 animals in a shoal, in larger aquariums more are welcome.

Procatopus nototaenia - longfin shiner: The longfin shiner comes from the south of Cameroon / West Africa. You can also buy the local variant Procatopus nototaenia "Kribi Cameroon" here in the shop. The males of this sociable killifish grow to about 6 cm long in the aquarium, while the females remain considerably smaller at just under 4 cm. The life expectancy of this Luminous Eyefish is about 2-4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 1 to 10, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 20 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 8 to 15 animals in a shoal, in larger aquariums also more.

Special case genus Lamprichthys - luminescent eyefishes

Lamprichthys tangaicanus - Tanganyika Luminous Eye fish : Although the Tanganyika Luminous Eyefish does not actually come from West Africa, but from East Africa, it is nevertheless a non-anual killifish and reproduces easily in the aquarium. This impressive and colourful luminescent eye fish from Lake Tanganyika grows to a maximum of 15 cm. Not much is known about the life expectancy of the Tanganyika Luminous Eyefish, but this large killifish should be able to live for 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 10 to 25, KH 0 to 20, pH 7 to 8.5, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 150 cm edge length
Recommended group size: 8 to 10 individuals

The magnificent carpaulins

The genus Fundulopanchax - Gardner's carps

Fundulopanchax gardneri - Gardners Prachtkärpfling, Stahlblauer Prachtkärpfling: Gardners Prachtkärpfling from West Africa grows to a length of 6-8 cm and can live up to 3 years. There is a golden colour form of the Fundulopanchax gardneri as well as several location variants: Makurdi and Akure
Recommended water values: GH up to 15, KH 7 to 10, pH 6.5 to 7, temperature 18 to 27 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: harem keeping or pair keeping

Fundulopanchax amieti - Amiets Prachtkärpfling: Amiets Prachtkärpfling from West Africa can live for 2 to 3 years if kept well in the aquarium. This killi reaches up to 7 cm body length.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 22, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 18 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

Fundulopanchax arnoldi - Arnolds Prachtkärpfling: Arnolds Prachtkärpfling from the Niger in West Africa can reach 2 to 3 years and grow up to 6 cm if kept well.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 6, KH 0 to 4, pH 6, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems

Fundulopanchax avichang - Avichang Prachtkärpfling: Avichang Prachtkärpfling from Equatorial Guinea in West Africa grows to about 2 years old and 5 to 6 cm in size.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 23 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems
Breeding: Peat with a dry phase of 8-12 weeks

Fundulopanchax cinnamomeum "Dikoni Bafor": Fundulopanchaxcinnamonemeum "Dikoni Bafor" is a local form of the cinnamon carp from West Cameroon in West Africa and reaches a length of about 6 to 8 cm. The maximum age of the Cinnamon Bafor in the aquarium is about 3 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Fundulopanchax fallax - Fallax splendid carp, Kribi splendid carp: The Fallax splendid carp from Cameroon in West Africa grows up to 10 cm long and can reach 3 to 4 years. There is one species of the Fundulopanchax fallax: Fifinda
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 6, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: harem keeping or pair keeping

Fundulopanchax marmoratus - Marbled Carpets: The Marbled Carpets from the west of Cameroon in West Africa live for about 3 to 4 years and can grow up to 7 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems

Fundulopanchax mirabilis - Lasur Wonder Carpet "Nguti": The Lasur Wonder Carpet "Nguti" is a locality variant of the splendid carpet from Nigeria in West Africa. The ornamental fish lives to about 5 years and can reach 6 to 7 cm. Another local variety is Fundulopanchax mirabilis "Takwai". A subspecies is Fundulopanchax mirabilis moense "Numbo"
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping

Fundulopanchax puerzli - Pürzls Prachtkärpfling: Pürzls Prachtkärpfling from West Cameroon in West Africa grows to about 3 years old and reaches a size of 6 to 8 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems

Fundulopanchax robertsoni - Robertson's Bogongo: The local variety "Bogongo" of Robertson's Bogongo from West Cameroon in West Africa can live for about 3 years and reach a size of 6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems

Fundulopanchax spoorenbergi - Spoorenberg's splendid carp: Spoorenberg's splendid carp comes from the border region of Nigeria and Cameroon in West Africa. The colourful fish reaches an age of about 3 to 4 years and a size of 6 to 8 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Fundulopanchax walkeri - Walker's splendid carp: Walker's splendid carp originates from the southwest of Ghana and the southeast of the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Unfortunately, the life expectancy of this pretty fish is not known; Fundulopanchax walkeri can grow to a length of 7 to 8 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 21 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Fundulopanchax filamentosus - Threadfin Carp: The Threadfin Carp originates from Togo, Benin and Nigeria in West Africa. Its life expectancy is about 2 years; this Fundulopanchax grows to about 5-6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 23 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping
Breeding: peat with a dry phase of 8-12 weeks

Fundulopanchax deltaensis - Delta Giant Carp: Fundulopanchax deltanese from Nigeria / West Africa grows to an impressive 10 cm. The Delta Deltanese lives about 3-4 years in the aquarium.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 6, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Fundulopanchax scheeli - Scheels Prachtkärpfling : Scheels Prachtkärpfling was formerly known as Aphyosemion scheeli and later assigned to the genus Fundulopanchax. The killifish is found in southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon in West Africa. Scheel's killifish can reach up to 7 cm in length. Its age in the aquarium is unknown, but should be between 2 and 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Fundulopanchax sjoestedti "Lohe" - Blauer Prachtkärpfling / Sjoestedts Prachtkärpfling "Lohe" : The Blue Giant Killifish was first described as Aphyosemion scheeli and was assigned to the genus Fundulopanchax during a revision. This beautifully marked killifish lives in southwestern Nigeria and western Cameroon in West Africa. The blue killifish can reach a length of 12 to 13 cm. In the aquarium, Sjoestedt's blue killifish can live up to 3 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

The genus Callopanchax - splendid carpets

Callopanchax occidentalis "Largo Blau" - Goldfasan Prachtkärpfling / Goldfasan Killifish "Largo Blau" : The Goldfasan Prachtkärpfling was described as Roloffia occidentalis and assigned to the genus Callopanchax during a revision. Besides "Largo Blue" there are other variants, for example Callopanchax occidentalis "Malai". This pretty killifish grows up to 9 cm long and lives along the coast from Sierra Leone to Liberia in West Africa. The Golden Pheasant Killifish only lives 1-2 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

Callopanchax huwaldi - Huwalds Prachtkärpfling / Huwalds Killifisch : Huwalds Prachtkärpfling was originally described as Roloffia occidentalis and was finally assigned to the genus Callopanchax during a revision. This beautiful, lively and territorial killifish grows up to 7 cm long and comes from Sierra Leone in West Africa. Huwald's splendid killifish only lives 1-2 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

The genus Archiaphyosemion - Giant Carpets

Archiaphyosemion sp. - Guinea killifish: The Guinea killifish was initially assigned to the genus Roloffia, but has since been placed in the genus Archiaphyosemion. This pretty killifish from Guinea in West Africa grows to about 7-8 cm long. The Golden Pheasant killifish only lives 1-2 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

The genus Chromaphyosemion - Giant Carpets

Chromaphyosemion bivittatum "Funge" - Double-banded Toothcarp / Double-banded Toothcarp "Funge": The Double-banded Toothcarp used to be kept in a subgenus of Aphyosemion, but Chromaphyosemion is now considered a genus of its own. This super interesting killifish from Guinea in West Africa grows to about 7-8 cm long. The Golden Pheasant killifish only lives 1-2 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 100 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum "Ijebu Ode" - Two-striped splendour fish "Ijebu Ode": The two-striped splendour fish originates from West Africa from Togo via Benin to Nigeria. This local form comes from Ijebu Ode in Nigeria. Another local form is https://www.zierfische.de/penda-mboko-aphyosemion-bitaeniatum">Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum "Penda Mboko" from Cameroon and Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum "Lagos Red" from Nigeria, also West Africa. The life expectancy of the two-striped carp is unknown, but should be about 2-4 years. Depending on the mood, the two stripes that give the fish its name are more or less visible. This killifish grows to a size of 5 to 6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems

Chromaphyosemion loennbergii - Loennbergs Prachtkärpfling: The orange-coloured Loennbergs Prachtkärpfling from the southwest of Cameroon / West Africa grows to only about 4.5 to 5 cm. Its maximum age in the aquarium is unfortunately not documented, but should be up to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Chromaphyosemion poliaki "blue" - Blauer Poliak Zweistreifen Prachtkärpfling : Diese bläuliche Standortvariante von Poliaks Prachtkärpfling aus Kamerun in Westafrika wird ungefähr 5 cm groß. The orange form Chromaphyosemion poliaki "orange" also comes from West Africa. The life expectancy of Poliaki's splendid fish is around 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 20 to 27 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Chromaphyosemion splendopleure "Bogongo": Theshiny splendid carpid Chromaphyosemion splendopleure has its distribution from the southeast of Nigeria over West Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest of Gabon. The shiny splendopleure grows to about 5 to 6 cm. Other local forms are Chromaphyosemion splendopleure "Kopongo", Chromaphyosemion splendopleure "Moliwe " and Chromaphyosemion splendopleure "Pouma", all also from West Africa. The life expectancy of the shiny splendid carp is unknown, but it is probably between 3 and 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 20 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems

Chromaphyosemion volcanum - Volcanic Giant Giant Giant : The fiery Volcanic Giant Giant Giant is found in Cameroon in West Africa on volcanic soils. Some authors consider it to be a synonym of Chromaphyosemion splendopleure. The killi grows to about 5 to 6 cm. The volcanic killifish lives about 3 to 4 years in the aquarium.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 20 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

The genus Aphyosemion - Giant carps

Aphyosemion australe - Cape Lopez Giant Cichlid: The Cape Lopez Giant Cichlid has its home in Gabon in West Africa. Besides the wild form, there is also a golden colour form. The life expectancy of the Cape Lopez is about 3-4 years, its total length 5-6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 6, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion ahli - Ahl's magnificent carp: Ahl's magnificent carp originates from the west and south-west of Cameroon and parts of Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. The life expectancy of this pretty killifish is about 4 years, it grows up to 6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion aemoenum "Sakbayeme" - Red-finned splendid carp "Sakbayeme": Aphyosemion amoenum is the most northerly occurring splendid carp in west central Cameroon in West Africa. The life expectancy of the red-fin killifish is unknown, but is thought to be around 2-4 years. The killifish from Sakbayeme grows to 5 to 6 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 5 to 6, temperature 22 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion bochtleri - Bochtlers Prachtkärpfling: Aphyosemion bochtleri from the north of Gabon in West Africa grows to about 4.5 to 5 cm. The life expectancy of the Bochtler's carnivore is not known, but should be about 2-4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion bualanum "Ndikinimeki" - Buala splendid carp "Ndikinimeki": This local variety of the Buala splendid carp originates from the highlands of Cameroon in West Africa. Another local form is https://www.zierfische.de/penda-mboko-aphyosemion-bitaeniatum">Aphyosemion bualanum "Dschang Ndouzem", also from Cameroon. The life expectancy of the Buala killifish is about 4 years. This killifish grows to about 5 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion calliurum - Red fringed carp: Aphyosemion calliurum from the south of Benin, Nigeria to southwest Cameroon in West Africa grows to about 5 cm. The red fringed carpets live to about 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion cameronense "Bifindi Ebolowa" - Cameroon Giant Carp "Bifindi Ebolowa": This local variety of the Cameroon Giant Carp originates from Central Cameroon in West Africa, the Cameroon Giant Carp in general has its distribution in Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Another local form is Aphyosemion cameronense "Memgueme" on Mbalmayo towards Ebolowa road" from the same area. The life expectancy of the Cameroon killifish is about 4 years. The killifish grows to a length of about 5 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion celiae "Ebonji" - Celia's killifish "Ebonji": Aphyosemion celiae "Ebonji" is a local form from Cameroon in West Africa. This killifish grows to about 5 cm. Unfortunately, the life expectancy of this splendid killifish is unknown, but it should be about 2-4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion chaytori - Chaytors Prachtkärpfling: Aphyosemion chaytori from Sierra Leone in West Africa reaches a length of approx. 5 cm. It is not known how old the beautiful Chaytor's Carp will live in the aquarium, but its life expectancy should be 2-4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 24 to 29 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion elberti "Bafusam" - Red-striped Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant from Cameroon in West Africa. With the Aphyosemion elberti "Santchou" you will find another local variety, also from Cameroon. The life expectancy of the red-striped carp is about 4 years. The killifish grows to a length of about 4 cm.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion exigoideum - magnificent carp: Aphyosemion exigoideum from Gabon / West Africa grows to a size of approx. 5 cm. Not much is known about its maximum age in the aquarium, but the life expectancy of this colourful killifish should be about 2-4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 18 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion exiguum - Cameroon Carp: The golden Cameroon Carp comes from Cameroon / West Africa and grows to only about 4 cm. Its maximum age in the aquarium is 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 10, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion gabonense - Yellow Gabon Carp: The yellow-finned Yellow Gabon Carp comes from Gabon / West Africa and grows to only about 4 to 5 cm. Its maximum age in the aquarium is 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 5 to 15, KH 0 to 8, pH 6.5 to 7.5, temperature 22 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harem keeping

Aphyosemion louessense Malinga - Louessé River Giant Giant "Malinga": This local form of the Louesse Giant Giant from the south of the Congo and from the south of Gabon / West Africa only grows to a length of approx. 5 cm. Its maximum age in the aquarium is unfortunately not documented, but should be up to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping

Aphyosemion ogoense "GHP 80/24" - Ogowe Prachtkärpfling "GHP 80/24" oder Rotpunkt Prachtkärpfling: Diese Standortvariante des Ogowe Prachtkärpflings aus Gabun und dem Kongo in Westafrika wird maximal 5 cm lang. You can also find the West African subspecies Aphyosemion ogoense ottogartneri "Lutete" here in the shop. The life expectancy of the red-spotted carp is about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion punctatum - Dotted Dotted Dotterel : The Dotted Dotterel from Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Cameroon in West Africa grows to about 5 cm. The maximum life span of the Spotted Darter in the aquarium is 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion primigenium "GJS 00/18 Kanda" - Duano Prachtkärpfling / Bunter Prachtkärpfling "GJS 00/18 Kanda" : Der Bunte Prachtkärpflings aus dem Südwesten von Gabun in Westafrika wird um die 5 cm groß. The life expectancy of the Multicoloured Darter in the aquarium is about 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion pyrophore "RPC 82 Komono yellow" - Yellow Komono Fire Carp "RPC 82 Komono yellow" : The Fire Carp from the southwest of Gabon in West Africa grows to about 5 cm. In the aquarium, this beautiful fire carp can live up to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping

Aphyosemion raddai "Makak" - Radda's splendid killifish "Makak" : Radda's splendid killifish is found in Central Cameroon in West Africa. This killifish grows up to 6 cm. Radda's Macaw can live in the aquarium for about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion sp. "Idenau" - Idenau splendid carp : This splendid carp has not yet been identified to species. It originates from the area of Idenau in the southwest of Cameroon in West Africa. This killifish can grow to about 5 to 6 cm. The age that the Idenau killifish can reach in the aquarium is not yet known, but it should be about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 18 to 22 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harem.

Aphyosemion striatum - Striped Killifish : The Striped Killifish has its distribution area in Equatorial Guinea and North Gabon in West Africa. The beautifully marked killifish grows to about 6 cm. In the aquarium, the striped killifish reaches an age of approx. 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 22 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Aphyosemion wildekampi - Wildekamp's magnificent carpenter fish : Wildekamp's magnificent carpenter fish is found in the southeast of Cameroon, in the southwest of the Central African Republic and in the north of the Congo in West Africa. The Wildekamp's Giant Cuttlefish grows to a size of about 4 to 5 cm. In the aquarium, this splendid carp has a life expectancy of about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 20 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

The genus Scriptaphyosemion - Giant Carpets

Scriptaphyosemion geryi - Zigzag Carp, Gerys Carp : The Zigzag Carp lives in the wild in the Gambia River in Senegal / West Africa. In the aquarium it grows to a length of about 7 cm and has a life expectancy of about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 23 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Scriptaphyosemion cauveti "Kindia" : TheCauvet's Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant Giant lives in the wild in Guinea in West Africa. Cauvet's Kindia grows to a length of about 7 cm in the aquarium and has a life expectancy of about 3 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 23 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

The genus Fundulosoma - Giant Carpets

Fundulosoma thierryi - Thierry's Gorgeous Killifish / Ghana G orgeous Killifish : The Ghana Gorgeous Killifish grows to only 3 cm and comes from the savannahs of Ghana, Togo, Mali, Upper Volta and Nigeria in West Africa. This small killifish probably lives only 1-2 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 6 to 7, temperature 20 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems
Breeding: peat with a dry phase of 12-16 weeks

The pike fish

The genus Epiplatys - Pikelets

Epiplatys chaperi - Ghana Pikelet, Gold Coast Pikelet: The Ghana Pikelet, which is well suited for beginners, is found in Ghana and Togo on the Ivory Coast in West Africa. The Golden Coast Pikelet grows to about 7 cm in the aquarium and is about 4 to 5 years old.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 14, KH 0 to 8, pH 5.5 to 7, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: keep in pairs or harems
Breeding: The eggs are sensitive to light, so the breeding aquarium must be darkened.

Epiplatys dageti - Crossbanded Pikelet: The Crossbanded Pikelet is found in the wild in the southwest of Ghana and in Liberia and the Ivory Coast in West Africa. The Crossbanded Pikelet grows to about 6 cm in length and can live in the aquarium for about 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 12, KH 0 to 8, pH 5.5 to 7, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Epiplatys hildegardae - Hildegard's pike: The cross-banded pike is found in the wild in southeastern Guinea in West Africa. Hildegard's pike reaches a body length of about 6 to 7 cm. Its life expectancy in the aquarium is unknown, but is likely to be several years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 12, KH 0 to 8, pH 5.5 to 7, temperature 20 to 23 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs or harems.

Epiplatys lamottei - Lamotte's pike, Blue pike, Red-spotted pike: The Red-spotted pike, up to 7 cm long, occurs in the wild in Liberia and Guinea in West Africa. The maximum life expectancy of the red-spotted pikelet in the aquarium is 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 12, KH 0 to 8, pH 7 to 7.5, temperature 20 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems
Breeding: The spawn of the red-spotted pikelet is very sensitive to light, so make sure to darken the breeding tank.

Epiplatys sp. "Moliwe" - Moliwe Pikelet: The 6 to 7 cm large Moliwe Pikelet of the genus Epiplatys originates from the southwest of Cameroon in West Africa. The maximum life expectancy of this pike, which has not yet been determined to species, in the aquarium should be 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 12, KH 0 to 8, pH 7 to 7.5, temperature 20 to 24 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs or harems
Breeding: The spawn of the red-spotted pikelet is very sensitive to light, so make sure to darken the breeding tank.

Epiplatys njalaensis - Njala Pikeling: With a total length of 5 to 6 cm, the Njala Pikeling from Sierra Leone is a rather small to medium-sized killifish. Well suited for socialisation with Aphyosemion, somewhat shy in the species tank. The maximum life expectancy of this nice pike in the aquarium should be 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 5 to 6, temperature 24 to 29 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 60 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keeping in pairs

Epiplatys roloffi - Roloffs Hechtling: Roloffs Hechtling reaches a total length of 7 to 8 cm. This pike from the northwest of Liberia and the southeast of Guinea is a robust and very peaceful killifish for the community tank or the species tank. The life expectancy of the killifish in the aquarium should be about 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 5 to 6, temperature 20 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping

Epiplatys sexfasciatus - Six-banded Pike "Moliwe": The Six-banded Pikelet has a large range of occurrence in West Africa: Ghana, Gabon, Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria and Guinea. The habitat variant "Moliwe" comes from Cameroon, as does the variant Epiplatys sexfasciatus "Pouma". The six-banded pike grows to about 11 cm body length. Not much is known about the life expectancy of the pike in the aquarium, but the killifish should live for about 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 15, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping

Epiplatys baroi - Baro pike "Orange fin": The Baro pike is considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Epiplatys sexfasciatus or Epiplatys infrafasciatus. The orange-finned variety of the Baro pike comes from eastern Cameroon in West Africa. The Baro Pikelet grows to a length of about 8 to 9 cm, not much is known about the age it can reach in the aquarium, but it should be about 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 15, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 22 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping or harem keeping

Epiplatys fasciolatus - Bronze Pikelet "Rotain": The Bronze Pikelet reaches a total length of 7 to 8 cm. The "Rotain" variety comes from the north-west of Sierra Leone. The subspecies Golden Banded Pike Epiplatys fasciolatus zimiensis from the southwest of Sierra Leone and the southeast of Liberia can also be found here in the shop. Epiplatys fasciolatus is a robust and very peaceful killifish for the community tank or for the species tank. The life expectancy of the killifish in the aquarium should be about 4 to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 5 to 6, temperature 24 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping

Epiplatys ruhkopfi - Ruhkopfs Hechtling: Ruhkopfs Hechtling from Liberia grows to about 7 to 8 cm in the aquarium. There is not much information about the life expectancy of the ruhkopfi in the aquarium, but the killifish should live about 4 to 5 years with good care. Some authors consider Epiplatys ruhkopfi to be a subspecies of Epiplatys fasciolatus, but in the meantime the killifish has been elevated to species status.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 8, KH 0 to 3, pH 5 to 6, temperature 22 to 26 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pair keeping

Epiplatys spilargyreius "Kongo" - Oblique Striped Pike "Kongo": This variety of the Oblique Striped Pike, which is widespread from Senegal to Sudan, comes from the Congo. The killifish grows to a length of about 6 cm in the aquarium. The Oblique Striped Pikelet lives up to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 15, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 24 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs.

Epiplatys togolensis - Togo Pike: The Togo Pike was first described from Togo, but has its natural range from southeast Ghana to the Niger Delta. The 7 to 8 cm large killifish lives up to 5 years.
Recommended water values: GH 2 to 15, KH 0 to 8, pH 6 to 7.5, temperature 24 to 28 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 80 cm edge length
Recommended group size: Keep in pairs

Special case genus Pachypanchax - Pikelings

Pachypanchax sakaramyi - Madagascar Pike : Although the Madagascar Pike or Madagascar Panchax comes from the island of Madagascar, which belongs to East Africa, it can reproduce in the aquarium without a dry phase. The robust Madagascar Panchax grows to about 8 to 9 cm. The pike, which is threatened with extinction in the wild, has a life expectancy of about 2 to 4 years.
Recommended water values: GH 4 to 12, KH 0 to 6, pH 7 to 7.5, temperature 20 to 25 °C
Recommended aquarium size: from 90 cm edge length
Recommended group size: pairs, harems or small groups