Killifish – Two Striped Killie ( Aphyosemion Bivittatum Lagos ) 4cm

Two Striped Killie – Vivid Red-Green-Yellow-Blue Colours Delivered!

The Two Striped Killie features sharply defined red, green, yellow and blue shades packed into a slender body that creates a playground-like vibrancy. This easy-care tooth-carp originates from Western African streams and swampy rainforest edges. Aquarists select Two Striped Killie for its bright patterns and straightforward breeding when they provide shaded, soft-water tanks with dense planting from the start.

Size and Lifespan

These killies currently measure around 5–6 cm in length. They reach a maximum of approximately 7 cm when mature. With stable soft water, regular changes and proper feeding, they live 1 to 2 years as typical annual killifish.

Ideal Tank Setup

Arrange a quiet, heavily planted aquarium that mimics shaded rainforest pools for these colourful fish. Use gentle filtration and low lighting. Avoid strong currents since they prefer calm, shallow water near banks.

To replicate its natural habitat:

• Use dark fine substrate to mimic stream or swamp bottoms
• Plant densely with Java moss or fine-leaved plants for cover
• Add floating plants to create natural shade over the surface
• Include Indian almond leaves or peat for tannin-stained water

Compatible Tank Mates

Keepers often house Two Striped Killie in species-only tanks or with very small, peaceful nano fish in larger setups. Introduce companions slowly and provide dense cover to support their surface-oriented habits.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Small ember tetras for gentle mid-level activity
• Peaceful rasboras that share soft water preferences
• Cherry shrimp in heavily planted tanks
• Other calm nano killifish of similar size

Diet and Feeding

Offer live or frozen carnivorous foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia or white mosquito larvae daily because they mimic natural surface insect prey. Include vitamin-enriched options for colour intensity. Feed small portions 2–3 times per day and remove uneaten food promptly.

Breeding and Behaviour of Two Striped Killie

Males show intensified colours while pursuing females during spawning in soft, acidic water. Females deposit eggs among fine plants near the surface. These killies remain active at the top, forage for surface prey and display low aggression in pairs or small groups with shaded cover.

Species Overview

• Species – Aphyosemion bivittatum (Lagos)
• Common Name – Two Striped Killifish
• Origin – Western Africa
• Diet – Carnivorous
• PH Range – 4 – 7
• Temperature – Tropical 26°C – 28°C
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Current Size – 4 cm
• Max Size – Approximately 7 cm
• Tank Size – Minimum 40 litres

FAQs

What size tank is ideal for Two Striped Killie?
A minimum 40-litre tank suits a pair or small group with room for surface activity.

Can they live with other fish?
Yes, with small peaceful nano fish like ember tetras, though species-only setups work best.

How often should I feed them?
Feed small meaty portions 2–3 times daily and clear leftovers quickly.

Do they need to be in groups?
Pairs or small groups encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.

How long do they live?
They typically live 1 to 2 years as annual killifish with proper care.

Add a Two Striped Killie to Your Aquarium Today!