Franz Werner's Killifish

Aphyosemion franzwerneri is a rarely kept killifish endemic to a restricted area of Cameroon, named in honour of the German ichthyologist Franz Werner. Males display a vivid blue-green iridescent body with red speckling on the flanks and fins, and mature individuals develop elegant lyretail extensions to the caudal fin. The species is classified as one of the less commonly available Aphyosemion in specialist circles.

Soft, acidic water typical of Cameroonian forest streams is essential for A. franzwerneri. A 40 L species tank with peat filtration, fine-leaved plants, and a spawning mop is recommended. Eggs are incubated in damp peat for two to three weeks. The species is reportedly sensitive to fluctuations in water quality, making consistent maintenance important.

A. franzwerneri is a species for dedicated killifish enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of maintaining a rarely kept representative of the genus. Its restricted range and infrequent appearance in the hobby make captive-bred specimens particularly valuable.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, very soft water (GH 1–6) with minimal hardness. Tank: 40 L species tank; peat filtration strongly recommended; dim lighting. Feeding: Live micro worms, Daphnia, Artemia nauplii; feed small amounts daily. Breeding: Collect mop eggs every 7–10 days; incubate in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Species tank only; sensitive to water quality deterioration.