Luja Killifish

Aphyosemion lujae is a medium-sized non-annual killifish from the Congo basin of the DR Congo, inhabiting shaded forest streams with soft, humus-stained water. Males develop an attractive turquoise body colouration densely covered with vivid red-orange spots, complemented by colourful lyrate fins. The species is one of several attractive Congo basin Aphyosemion that remain uncommon in the mainstream hobby.

Very soft, acidic water is necessary for A. lujae to thrive and show full colour. A 40 L species tank with peat filtration, plant cover, and a spawning mop is ideal. Eggs are deposited on the mop and incubated in damp peat for two to three weeks. The species grows to around 6 cm and is peaceful toward non-conspecifics.

A. lujae is a rewarding species for the intermediate killifish keeper prepared to maintain appropriate blackwater conditions. Its rich colouration and the satisfaction of maintaining a relatively uncommon species make it well worth the additional water chemistry effort.

Water: 22–26 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, very soft water (GH 1–6) with peat staining. Tank: 40 L species tank with peat filtration; floating plants help reduce light intensity. Feeding: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, micro worms; feed daily. Breeding: Spawn on yarn mop; collect eggs weekly; incubate in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful; species tank or very quiet soft-water community only.