Two-striped Lyretail

Aphyosemion bivittatum takes its name from the two dark stripes running along its body; these stripes are seen in both sexes. The males' dorsal and anal fins are broad, red-spotted and colorful; the upper and lower edges of the tail extend to form a slight lyre shape. It lives in shaded, soft waters in the forest streams near the coast of Cameroon and Nigeria. Some sources list it under the subgenus or genus Chromaphyosemion.

• 30 liters or more for one male and two females.
• Dense plants, moss, floating plants and dim light; a few dried leaves.
• 21–24°C, very soft and acidic water; a sponge filter with weak flow.
• A tight lid is essential; 20–25% water change weekly.

Mainly carnivorous. It should be fed live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms and small bloodworms. It may accept dry food over time.

Peaceful and somewhat shy; it likes to stay among the plants. Males display to each other. It lays its eggs on fine-leaved plants or a wool spawning mop; the eggs hatch in water in about two weeks.

Good companions: small, calm fish: harlequin rasboras, dwarf corydoras, otocinclus; adult dwarf shrimp.

Avoid: fast and large fish, fin nippers, species that need hard and warm water.