Gabon Killifish (Aphyosemion gabunense)

Aphyosemion gabunense

Common name: Gabon Killifish
Family: Nothobranchiidae
Genus: Aphyosemion
Origin: Gabon (Central Africa)

Natural Habitat

• Small forest streams, swamps, and shaded pools
• Slow-moving or still water
• Leaf litter–rich, tannin-stained environments
• Soft, acidic water under dense canopy

This species is non‑annual, meaning it does not rely on seasonal drying like some African killifish.

Adult Size

• 4.5–6 cm (1.75–2.5 inches)

Temperament

• Peaceful but territorial toward conspecific males
• Best kept:
  • As pairs
  • Or 1 male with 2–3 females
• Not suitable for boisterous community tanks

Aquarium Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum 10 gallons for a pair
• Larger tanks recommended for harems

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–25 °C (72–77 °F)
• pH: 5.5–6.8
• Hardness: Soft (1–6 dGH)
• Low flow preferred

Filtration

• Sponge filter or very gentle flow
• Excellent water quality is critical

Aquascaping

• Dense planting (especially floating plants)
• Leaf litter (Indian almond, oak, beech)
• Driftwood and shaded areas
• Dark substrate recommended
• Tight-fitting lid (excellent jumpers)

Diet

Carnivorous micropredator

Preferred foods

• Live or frozen:
  • Daphnia
  • Baby brine shrimp
  • Mosquito larvae
  • Blackworms
  • Grindal worms

Prepared foods

• High-quality micro pellets (acceptance varies)
• Frozen foods strongly recommended for conditioning

Sexual Dimorphism

• Males:
  • Larger, more colorful
  • Extended fins with red/blue patterning
• Females:
  • Smaller
  • Brownish to olive with faint spotting

Breeding Notes

• Egg scatterer
• Spawns in:
  • Fine-leaved plants
  • Spawning mops
• Eggs hatch in 10–21 days
• Parents may eat eggs—remove eggs or adults if breeding seriously
• Fry are small; require infusoria or microworms initially

Compatibility

Best kept:

• Species-only tanks
• With other small, calm soft‑water fish (advanced keepers only)

Avoid:

• Fin nippers
• Fast or aggressive species
• Hard, alkaline water tankmates