Aphyosemion Gabunense

Datasheet

General Description: The Gabon Killifish (Aphyosemion gabunense) is a peaceful and shy species of killifish that varies in color depending on its geographical form, including subspecies like A. g. gabunense, A. g. boehmi, and A. g. marginatum. The species is not an annual killifish, found in permanent bodies of water in nature with a maximum standard length of approximately 5.0cm.

Aquarium Setup: A minimum tank size of 30 litres is recommended for A. gabunense. The tank should have a dark substrate such as peat moss, dense planting, wood for cover, and floating plants to diffuse light. Due to their jumping abilities, a tight-fitting cover is essential. For specific water conditions, a pH of 6.5-7.2, hardness of 5-15°dH, and a temperature of 22-25°C are suitable.

Behaviour: Gabon Killifish are very peaceful and shy, making them suitable for community setups with carefully chosen tankmates like small characins, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, Loricariids, and Anabantoids. They may be outcompeted by more vigorous fish due to their gentle nature.

Feeding and Diet: A. gabunense prefers small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia or bloodworms but will also accept high-quality flakes. Varied diets with live and frozen foods are recommended for conditioning before spawning.

Reproduction & Dimorphism: Males of A. gabunense exhibit more vibrant colors and possess longer dorsal, caudal, and anal fins compared to females. Spawning can be achieved in a pair in a small aquarium, with eggs being deposited in a substrate or vegetation. The fry are tiny and require infusoria initially, progressing to brine shrimp nauplii or microworms as they grow.

Habitat and Distribution: Naturally found in swamps, small streams, and pools in the lower Ogooué river basin near the city of Lambarené, western Gabon. A. gabunense is endemic to this region.