
Red Striped Killifish
Aphyosemion striatum
Family: Aplocheilidae • Origin: Various
Red Striped Killifish (Aphyosemion striatum) is a peaceful killifish reaching 2 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 10 gallons.
Is Red Striped Killifish Right for Your Tank?
Red Striped Killifish is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Red Striped Killifish makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Red Striped Killifish
Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Skipping the quarantine period
Even healthy-looking fish can carry parasites or disease. Quarantine new Red Striped Killifish for 2–4 weeks in a separate tank before adding to your main aquarium.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 2"
- • Temp: 68-77°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Can be kept alone
- • peaceful temperament
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet for Aplocheilidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Aplocheilidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 68–77°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Aplocheilidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Black Skirt Tetra
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