Two-banded killifish
Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum
Also known as Two-striped killifish, Bitaeniatum killi, Aphyosemion bitaeniatum
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH
- 5.8–7.0
- Adult size
- 2.2 in (5.5 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 10 gal (38 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Native to shallow coastal creeks, swamps, and roadside pools from Nigeria and Benin east to western Cameroon.
- Family
- Nothobranchiidae
Overview
One of the easier killifish to start with, a pair or trio thrives in a planted 38 litre tank at 22 to 26 C and soft water of pH 5.8 to 7.0. Males spar by spreading their fins but seldom hurt each other, and the fish is calm enough for a quiet species tank. Feed small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, micro worm, grindal worm, and baby brine shrimp. Spawn it on a wool mop and either pick the eggs by hand or let them hatch in place.
In the wild
It lives in small, slow, heavily shaded waters in the West African coastal forest belt. Males carry two dark lengthwise stripes with iridescent blue, red, and yellow between them and delicate pointed fins, which they flare at rivals. A dimly lit, well planted tank of about 38 litres with floating plants and a snug lid suits a pair or trio.
Good to know
Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum belongs to a subgroup of the genus Aphyosemion and is still listed as Aphyosemion bitaeniatum in some references. It is a non-annual killifish that lays eggs on fine plants rather than needing a dry season. Males vary strikingly in colour across their range, so many local forms exist in the hobby.
Did you know
Rather than fighting, rival males settle disputes by flaring their fins side by side, which is when the two dark body stripes stand out best.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Dan's Fish Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with a live arrival guarantee
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large freshwater selection from a longtime Portland fish store
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Two-banded killifish?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Patrizi's notho
Nothobranchius patrizii2.2 in (5.5 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Steel Blue Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri2.2 in (5.5 cm)21 gal (80 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)
Bluefin Notho
Nothobranchius rachovii2.4 in (6 cm)21 gal (80 L)68–75°F (20–24°C)
Gunther's nothobranch
Nothobranchius guentheri2.4 in (6 cm)11 gal (40 L)72–77°F (22–25°C)Plumed lyretail
Fundulopanchax filamentosus2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–75°F (20–24°C)
Mafia killifish
Nothobranchius korthausae2 in (5 cm)10 gal (38 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)