Serafini Killifish

Aphyosemion serafini is among the rarest killifish in the hobby, known from very few wild collection localities in Cameroon. Males display vivid blue-green body colouration with intricate red spotting and streaking extending through the fins, presenting a visually complex and beautiful pattern. The species is maintained almost exclusively through dedicated hobbyist breeding programs.

A. serafini demands the soft, acidic water characteristic of Cameroonian forest streams. A 40 L species tank with peat filtration, minimal hardness, and a spawning mop is essential. Eggs are collected from the mop and incubated in damp peat for two to three weeks. The species is sensitive to water quality and should be kept only by experienced killifish keepers.

Maintaining A. serafini is both a conservation contribution and a personal achievement for killifish specialists. Given its rarity in the wild and in captivity, acquiring and successfully breeding this species is a notable accomplishment in the hobby.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 5.5–6.5, very soft water (GH 1–5) — use RO or rain water. Tank: 40 L species tank with peat filtration; keep in a species-only setup. Feeding: Live micro worms, Artemia nauplii, and small Daphnia; feed daily. Breeding: Remove spawning mop weekly; incubate in damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Species tank only; rarity demands controlled, optimal conditions.