Red Barred Killi (Aphyosemion elberti)
| Red Barred Killi Aphyosemion elberti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red Barred Killi |
| Name Lat. | Aphyosemion elberti |
| Synonym | Panchax elberti |
| Family | African Rivulines |
| Family lat. | Nothobranchiidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | Western Africa |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 21-26 °C |
| Hardness | < 10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 70-79 °F |
| Hardness | < 178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The red-striped splendid carpets are widespread in central Cameroon to the border area of Nigeria and the Central African Republic, where they occur in the catchment area of the Mbam River, the upper Mambere River and the Sanaga River. They live in streams and small rivers of grassy savannas with dense riparian vegetation. 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 permanent 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. The fry usually hatch after 12-20 days. The eggs can also survive short dry periods and the fry will then hatch a few hours after the first rain. 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 semi-annual killifish live in waters that dry out occasionally and only for short periods of time.
Different site variants should not be kept together, because they can cross (hybridize). They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered. The 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; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF