Riggenbachi Killifish

Aphyosemion riggenbachi is a robust non-annual killifish from Cameroon, slightly larger and more tolerant than many of its more delicate relatives. Males display a yellow-green body adorned with vivid red spotting and horizontal striping, and the fins show colourful edging in red and white. The species inhabits forest streams and has a somewhat broader tolerance for water hardness than typical Aphyosemion.

A. riggenbachi is an excellent choice for intermediate killifish keepers who want to move beyond the beginner species without committing to extreme water chemistry requirements. A 40 L species or quiet community tank with soft to moderately soft water, plants, and a spawning mop is suitable. Eggs hatch after two to three weeks in damp peat.

This species is periodically available from specialist killifish retailers and society auctions. Its relative robustness, attractive colouration, and manageable care requirements make it a consistently rewarding species to keep and breed.

Water: 22–26 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to moderately soft water (GH 2–10). Tank: 40 L species or quiet community tank with plants and a spawning mop. Feeding: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm; quality micro-pellet accepted; feed daily. Breeding: Collect spawning mop weekly; incubate eggs in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful with small, calm community species; more tolerant than many Aphyosemion.