Orange Dwarf Killi (Aphyosemion fulgens)

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Orange Dwarf Killi
Aphyosemion fulgens
Orange Dwarf Killi (Aphyosemion fulgens)
Name Orange Dwarf Killi
Name Lat. Aphyosemion fulgens
Synonym Diapteron fulgens
Family African Rivulines
Family lat. Nothobranchiidae
Order Killifishes & Livebearers
Order lat. Cyprinodontiformes
Origin Gabon
Habitat Streams, ponds
Diet Carnivore
pH 6.0-7.0
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Pair, harem
Care Level Moderate
Reproduction Substrate spawner
Breeding Difficult
Life Span 3-5 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 3 cm
Temperature 19-24 °C
Hardness < 10 °dH
Aquarium ~ 60 l
US Units
Size 1.2"
Temperature 66-75 °F
Hardness < 178 ppm
Aquarium ~ 15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Brilliant Giant Carps are found in the rainforests and wet savannahs of the Ivindo catchment area in northern Gabon. They live in pools, rainforest streams and shallow stillwater of small rivers. There are numerous differently colored site variants.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have dense planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A soft, dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and slightly shaded light (floating plants) is ideal

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micropellets) and with cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are shy, peaceful fish and should be kept in pairs or in a harem, one male with 2-3 females. Males occasionally behave aggressively among themselves, so keeping multiple pairs or harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be kept well in a species tank or also in a community tank with not too lively fish

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The male is larger and much more colorful than the more round-bellied female.

Reproduction and breeding

They are continuous spawners. The female spawns in all water layers and attaches the hard-shelled eggs with adhesive filaments to fine-feathered plants or a spawning mop. No brood care is practiced. The fry hatch after 10-14 days depending on temperature

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, microworms). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

These non-annual killifish live in waters that hold water year-round

Different site variants should not be kept together, as they can interbreed (hybridize). They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered. Foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag: RADDA & PÜRZL (1987): Colour Atlas of Cyprinodonts of the Rain Forests of Tropical Africa, Verlag Otto Hofmann; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF