Elbert's Killifish

Aphyosemion elberti is a slender, elegantly proportioned killifish from forest streams in Cameroon. Males display a warm brown base colouration decorated with scattered red spots across the body and fins, and mature males develop subtle lyretail extensions to the caudal fin that enhance their visual appeal. The species inhabits slow-flowing, leaf-littered forest streams.

A. elberti is a moderately easy species to maintain in a 40 L species or quiet community tank with soft, slightly acidic water. It spawns readily on fine-leaved plants or a yarn mop, and eggs hatch after two to three weeks on damp peat. The species appreciates dim lighting and leaf litter or peat on the substrate.

This species is a quiet but rewarding occupant of a forest stream biotope aquarium. Its understated colouration is complemented by elegant fin extensions, and its peaceful temperament makes it compatible with other small, calm killifish or nano community species.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft water (GH 2–8) preferred. Tank: 40 L species or quiet community tank; leaf litter and plants mimic natural habitat. Feeding: Live and frozen micro worms, Daphnia, Artemia nauplii; feed small amounts daily. Breeding: Spawn on mop or fine plants; incubate eggs in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful with small calm species; avoid active or nippy tankmates.