Lonnberg's Aphyosemion
Aphyosemion loennbergii
A rare Cameroonian killifish from shaded rainforest streams, worth the extra effort.
About
Lonnberg's Aphyosemion (Aphyosemion loennbergii) is a small killifish native to the rainforest waterways of southwestern Cameroon, where it inhabits slow-moving brooks, forest pools, and narrow streams running over basement rock. Unlike many of the more familiar killifish in the hobby, this species is non-annual, meaning it does not follow the boom-and-bust life cycle tied to seasonal rains and drying pools. That gives it a longer lifespan than its annual relatives, but it does not make it any easier to keep. This is genuinely a species for keepers who have some experience with sensitive soft-water fish. It tends to be particular about water quality and conditions, and maintaining it well takes attention and consistency. The soft, acidic water of its native rainforest habitat should be replicated as closely as possible, and the tank will benefit from dim lighting, plenty of cover, and a tight-fitting lid since killifish are notorious jumpers. A species-only setup or a pairing with very calm, similarly sized fish is usually the sensible approach. If you are ready to meet its needs, Lonnberg's Aphyosemion is a rewarding and uncommon fish that does not show up in most community tanks.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Lonnberg's Aphyosemion
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion get?
- The Lonnberg's Aphyosemion reaches about 1–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion need?
- A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion.
- What water parameters does the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion need?
- The Lonnberg's Aphyosemion does best with a temperature of 64–79°F, a pH of 5–7.
- Is the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion aggressive?
- The Lonnberg's Aphyosemion is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion eat?
- The Lonnberg's Aphyosemion is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion live?
- With good care, the Lonnberg's Aphyosemion typically lives 3-5 years.