[ARRIVED 3-MAY-2025] Aphyosemion striatum 4-6cm

Description

Aphyosemion striatum

A brilliantly coloured African killifish prized for its metallic blue-green body, vivid red striping, and peaceful temperament.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Aphyosemion striatum
  • Size: ~5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Intermediate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Pair or species group

Is this for you?

✔️ Good if:

  • You enjoy rare and colourful nano fish
  • You keep planted or blackwater aquariums
  • You appreciate peaceful display fish
  • You're interested in breeding killifish

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish
  • Your aquarium doesn't have a secure lid
  • You prefer fast-moving community fish
  • You have unstable water conditions

Why this fish?

Aphyosemion striatum is considered one of the most beautiful non-annual African killifish. Males develop an iridescent blue-green body covered with vivid red horizontal striping and elegant lyre-shaped fins, while females display softer natural colours.

These peaceful fish thrive in densely planted aquariums with gentle water movement and subdued lighting. Their colours become especially intense over dark substrates with floating plants overhead.

Although slightly more specialised than common community fish, Aphyosemion striatum rewards hobbyists with incredible colour, fascinating behaviour, and relatively straightforward breeding.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving gaps in the aquarium lid—they are exceptional jumpers
  • Keeping them with aggressive or boisterous fish
  • Using excessive water flow
  • Providing bright lighting without plant cover
  • Neglecting regular water changes

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 20–25°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.2
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods
  • Water: Soft, clean, stable water with gentle flow
  • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants and a secure lid

Pair with

  • Peaceful rasboras
  • Small Corydoras
  • Floating plants
  • Driftwood and botanicals
  • Frozen and live foods
NTA Insight:
Aphyosemion striatum is often regarded as one of the finest beginner-friendly killifish for hobbyists looking to explore the genus. Their spectacular colours rival many marine fish, yet they remain peaceful and relatively easy to maintain—provided the aquarium has a secure lid and stable water conditions.

FAQ

Are Aphyosemion striatum good community fish?

Yes. They do well with other peaceful nano species but should not be housed with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

Do they jump?

Absolutely. Like most killifish, they are excellent jumpers. A tight-fitting lid is essential, even over small openings.

What do they eat?

They thrive on a varied diet of quality micro pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, and live foods where available.

Can they be bred in captivity?

Yes. Aphyosemion striatum are non-annual killifish that readily spawn on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops under suitable conditions.

Why are my fish hiding?

They naturally prefer planted environments with shaded areas. Floating plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting help them feel secure and display their best colours.

[ARRIVED 3-MAY-2025] Aphyosemion striatum 4-6cm

Product form

Out of stock,  

$40.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Aphyosemion striatum

    A brilliantly coloured African killifish prized for its metallic blue-green body, vivid red striping, and peaceful temperament.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Aphyosemion striatum
    • Size: ~5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Intermediate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Pair or species group

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Good if:

    • You enjoy rare and colourful nano fish
    • You keep planted or blackwater aquariums
    • You appreciate peaceful display fish
    • You're interested in breeding killifish

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish
    • Your aquarium doesn't have a secure lid
    • You prefer fast-moving community fish
    • You have unstable water conditions

    Why this fish?

    Aphyosemion striatum is considered one of the most beautiful non-annual African killifish. Males develop an iridescent blue-green body covered with vivid red horizontal striping and elegant lyre-shaped fins, while females display softer natural colours.

    These peaceful fish thrive in densely planted aquariums with gentle water movement and subdued lighting. Their colours become especially intense over dark substrates with floating plants overhead.

    Although slightly more specialised than common community fish, Aphyosemion striatum rewards hobbyists with incredible colour, fascinating behaviour, and relatively straightforward breeding.

    Common mistakes

    • Leaving gaps in the aquarium lid—they are exceptional jumpers
    • Keeping them with aggressive or boisterous fish
    • Using excessive water flow
    • Providing bright lighting without plant cover
    • Neglecting regular water changes

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 20–25°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.2
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods
    • Water: Soft, clean, stable water with gentle flow
    • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants and a secure lid

    Pair with

    • Peaceful rasboras
    • Small Corydoras
    • Floating plants
    • Driftwood and botanicals
    • Frozen and live foods
    NTA Insight:
    Aphyosemion striatum is often regarded as one of the finest beginner-friendly killifish for hobbyists looking to explore the genus. Their spectacular colours rival many marine fish, yet they remain peaceful and relatively easy to maintain—provided the aquarium has a secure lid and stable water conditions.

    FAQ

    Are Aphyosemion striatum good community fish?

    Yes. They do well with other peaceful nano species but should not be housed with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

    Do they jump?

    Absolutely. Like most killifish, they are excellent jumpers. A tight-fitting lid is essential, even over small openings.

    What do they eat?

    They thrive on a varied diet of quality micro pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, and live foods where available.

    Can they be bred in captivity?

    Yes. Aphyosemion striatum are non-annual killifish that readily spawn on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops under suitable conditions.

    Why are my fish hiding?

    They naturally prefer planted environments with shaded areas. Floating plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting help them feel secure and display their best colours.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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