Como Killifish

Aphyosemion comaensis is a rarely encountered killifish from Cameroon, known from a restricted range of forest streams in the region around the town of Kumba. Males display rich blue-green iridescent body colouration with intricate red speckling across the flanks and fins, making them among the more attractive mid-sized Aphyosemion. The species is only occasionally available through specialist killifish networks.

Care requirements are similar to other Cameroonian Aphyosemion: soft, slightly acidic water, a well-planted tank, and a diet of live and frozen invertebrates. The species spawns on fine-leaved plants or a yarn mop, and eggs hatch after two to three weeks incubation in damp peat. Males may occasionally spar but rarely cause serious injury.

A. comaensis is a species for dedicated killifish keepers who enjoy maintaining less commonly known representatives of the genus. Its restricted natural range raises some conservation concern, making captive-bred specimens available through hobbyist networks especially valuable.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft water (GH 2–8) recommended. Tank: 40 L species tank with plant cover and a spawning mop; keep lighting subdued. Feeding: Live Artemia, micro worms, Daphnia, and frozen bloodworm; feed daily. Breeding: Collect eggs from mop every 1–2 weeks; incubate in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Species tank or very quiet community; do not mix with boisterous fish.