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Two-striped Aphyosemion (Aphyosemion bitaeniatum) — Nothobranchiidae

Two-striped Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion bitaeniatum
LC · Least Concern

The Two-striped Aphyosemion (Aphyosemion bitaeniatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa; forest streams and small rivulets of the coastal rainforest.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The twostripe killi is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the coastal rainforest of West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are brilliantly marked with blue-green, yellow and red tints and thread-like elongated tail-fin tips, females plain. It inhabits forest brooks and small streams on sandy bottoms. Unlike the true seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species of drying pools. It feeds on small invertebrates and insects. The species is popular with killifish hobbyists. Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Two-striped Aphyosemion?

The Two-striped Aphyosemion has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Brilliantly marked males with elongated caudal fin tips; not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Two-striped Aphyosemion live?

The Two-striped Aphyosemion lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; forest streams and small rivulets of the coastal rainforest.

How big does the Two-striped Aphyosemion get?

The Two-striped Aphyosemion grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Two-striped Aphyosemion dangerous to humans?

No, the Two-striped Aphyosemion is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Two-striped Aphyosemion edible?

The Two-striped Aphyosemion is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Two-striped Aphyosemion verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion bitaeniatum
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
West Africa; forest streams and small rivulets of the coastal rainforest. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insects sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Brilliantly marked males with elongated caudal fin tips; not a seasonal killifish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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