Hannelore's Killi
Aphyosemion hanneloreae
A tiny Gabonese killifish that's surprisingly forgiving for beginners.
About
Hannelore's Killi (Aphyosemion hanneloreae) is a small, non-annual killifish native to Gabon in central west Africa. Unlike many of its relatives that live out their entire lives in temporary seasonal pools and require specialized egg-drying techniques, this species persists in more permanent waterways, which simplifies both keeping and breeding considerably. That distinction makes it a genuinely accessible entry point into the killifish hobby, a group that can sometimes feel intimidating to newer keepers. Adults stay compact, typically reaching somewhere between an inch and an inch and a half, so they fit comfortably in smaller, well-maintained setups. Like most Aphyosemion species, males tend to carry more vivid coloration than females, and a species-only tank or a peaceful community with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates usually works well. Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions suit them best, and keeping things on the cooler side of tropical is important since they don't tolerate warmer temperatures the way many common aquarium fish do. If you've been curious about killifish but didn't know where to start, Hannelore's Killi is one of the more forgiving choices the group has to offer.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Hannelore's Killi
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Hannelore's Killi get?
- The Hannelore's Killi reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What water parameters does the Hannelore's Killi need?
- The Hannelore's Killi does best with a temperature of 66–75°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–12 dGH.
- Is the Hannelore's Killi aggressive?
- The Hannelore's Killi is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.