Red Barred Killi

About

The Red Barred Killi (Aphyosemion elberti) is a compact killifish native to a surprisingly wide stretch of Central and West Africa, with wild populations documented across the upper Benue and Logone river systems as well as the Sanaga basin and the Mambere drainage, spanning Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. That broad natural range hints at a fish that handles varied conditions reasonably well, and indeed this species is considered a workable choice for keepers new to the killifish group. Males display the vivid red barring that gives the fish its common name, making them noticeably more ornate than the plainer females, which is typical for the Aphyosemion genus. Like most of its relatives, it is an egg-layer, and the breeding process is one of the genuine appeals of keeping killifish for hobbyists who want to try something beyond livebearers. In the wild it occupies soft, shaded forest streams and similar slow-moving habitats, so a planted tank with subdued lighting suits it well. It is an omnivore and not particularly fussy about food, accepting small live, frozen, and prepared items without much coaxing. Given its small adult size, a modest tank is perfectly adequate, but keep the lid on tight. Killifish are accomplished jumpers.