Decorsei Killifish

Aphyosemion decorsei is a medium-sized non-annual killifish from the Congo basin of the DR Congo. Males display an attractive combination of greenish-yellow body colouration with vivid orange-red horizontal streaking and fin edging, while the caudal fin typically shows a rounded to slightly lyrate shape with multi-coloured marginal banding. The species inhabits slow-flowing and still, shaded forest watercourses.

Soft, acidic water is important for A. decorsei, and a dedicated 40 L species tank with peat filtration and plant cover provides ideal conditions. The species spawns on fine-leaved plants or a yarn mop, with eggs hatching after two to three weeks. Males are generally peaceful but may display and posture toward each other without causing injury.

A. decorsei is not commonly seen outside specialist circles but represents one of the more attractive medium-sized Aphyosemion from the Congo basin. It is a rewarding species for intermediate keepers who enjoy maintaining less well-known killifish.

Water: 22–26 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to very soft water (GH 1–8). Tank: 40 L species tank with peat filtration, plant cover, and a spawning mop. Feeding: Live or frozen Artemia, Daphnia, micro worms; feed daily in small amounts. Breeding: Collect eggs from mop weekly; incubate in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Species tank or peaceful community; prefers calm water conditions.