Lagos Red Killi (Aphyosemion bitaeniatum) — also called the Two-Striped Lyretail — is a small, brilliantly finned killifish named for the Lagos, Nigeria population from which this striking red-finned strain originates. The body carries two dark longitudinal stripes (the source of the species name "bitaeniatum," meaning two-banded) set against a silvery to olive base, while the fins of mature males flush burnt orange to deep red and flare into the lyre-shaped caudal typical of the genus. As a non-annual species, A. bitaeniatum lives considerably longer than the short-lived Nothobranchius killies, making it a rewarding and much more forgiving introduction to killifish keeping.
Feeding & Care Tip: Killifish are carnivores that thrive on a varied diet of frozen and freeze-dried foods. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Frozen Daphnia form the core diet — offer variety rather than relying on a single food. Hikari Micro Pellets are accepted by most killifish as a dry staple. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to shaded forest streams, swamps, and pools of coastal West Africa around Lagos, Nigeria, and neighboring parts of Benin. Inhabits heavily vegetated, slow-moving water with soft, slightly acidic chemistry and dense leaf litter. As a non-annual killifish, A. bitaeniatum lives in permanent water bodies and does not require a dry incubation period for its eggs. Lifespan of 2–4 years in good conditions.
Keep one male with two or more females — males can spar with one another in tight quarters but are generally peaceful with other small, peaceful community fish given a well-planted tank. Dense planting and floating cover are appreciated and help soften the lighting to match this species' shaded, blackwater-adjacent habitat.
Breeding is straightforward compared to annual killifish — eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops and receive no parental care. Remove eggs or fry to a separate container to prevent predation from the adults. No dry period is required; eggs can be incubated in water and typically hatch within two to three weeks.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males mildly territorial |
| Typical Adult Size | 2 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male with 2+ females |
| Ideal Temp | 72–77°F (22–25°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 2–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Coastal West Africa — Lagos, Nigeria and neighboring Benin |
| Notes | "Lagos red" wild strain — two dark body stripes with burnt orange-red fins on mature males. Non-annual — 2–4 year lifespan. No dry incubation period required. |
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