Two Stripe Lyretail Killifish 'Funge' (Aphyosemion bivittatum) Pair

Common Name

Two Stripe Lyretail
Also seen as 2 Stripe Lyretail – Funge locality

Origin and Habitat

Aphyosemion bivittatum is native to southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. The Funge population originates from the Funge estuary and associated marshlands in the Ndian District, Cameroon. This compact coastal system connects via the Rio del Rey to the Cross River complex, a protected mosaic of mangroves, flooded forest, and blackwater creeks rich in leaf litter and submerged roots. Water is very soft, mildly acidic, with gentle current and high oxygen from dense vegetation and surface exchange.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range: 72–76 °F (22–24 °C). Tolerates slightly cooler or warmer if oxygen remains high. Wild water is very soft and mildly acidic (commonly pH 6.0–6.5). In aquaria, stability is far more important than exact wild values (except for dedicated breeding). Use mature filtration with gentle return, good surface movement, and floating plants or botanicals for shade. Keep a tight lid—this species can jump.

Appearance and Size

Males are luminous, displaying two darker longitudinal bands broken into red spotting, extended lyre-shaped caudal tips, and highly patterned dorsal and anal fins. Females are plainer with the same clean two-stripe pattern, clear fins, and a slightly deeper body. Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in). The Funge locality is prized for its distinct, elegant look.

Diet in the Wild

Midwater and near-bottom micropredator feeding on tiny insect larvae, microcrustaceans, zooplankton, and drifting invertebrates among roots and leaf litter.

Feeding in Captivity

Staple: quality micro-pellet or very fine flake. Several times weekly offer small live/frozen foods—newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms, and wingless fruit flies. Feed modest portions the fish clear quickly to keep water pristine.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and best displayed in calm, planted species tanks or with equally gentle companions.

• Tank size: 10–20 gallons
• Décor: fine-leaved plants, Java moss, floating cover, driftwood, leaf litter
• Flow: gentle with strong oxygenation
• Always include at least one spawning mop and dense plant thickets

Breeding

Overview & Conditioning

Aphyosemion bivittatum is a non-annual plant-spawner. Eggs are adhesive and can be incubated in water or the classic damp-peat method—both work well.

Separate sexes for a week, feed heavily with live/frozen foods, and hold 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) with gentle flow and high oxygen.

Spawning

Pairs or trios deposit a few eggs daily in mop strands and fine plants. Provide one sinking and one floating yarn mop. Collect eggs daily with wet fingers or a soft pipette (dim light helps spot the amber eggs).

Water Incubation

Place eggs in shallow, clean aged water with a trace of tannin or one drop of methylene blue. Gentle nearby aeration (not directly on eggs). At room temperature most eye-up by day 10–14 and hatch shortly after when water is refreshed.

Damp Peat Incubation

Store eggs on barely moist peat or coconut fiber in a small bag/cup. Check moisture weekly. Many breeders get excellent results after 14–21 days, then flood with soft, cooler water to trigger hatching.

Fry Care

Keep light low initially. Start with Paramecium or liquid fry food → vinegar eels → newly hatched brine shrimp. Perform tiny daily water changes with matched parameters. Growth is steady with warmth, cleanliness, and frequent small meals.

Line Stewardship

Keep the Funge line pure—label tanks clearly, record pairings, and refresh from your best home-bred fish to preserve the classic two-stripe pattern and lyre tail.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Aphyosemion bivittatum
• Locality: Funge, southwestern Cameroon
• Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in)
• Temperature: 72–76 °F (22–24 °C)
• Wild pH: ~6.0–6.5, very soft
• Temperament: peaceful micro-predator
• Diet: micro-pellets/flake + small live/frozen foods
• Breeding: non-annual plant-spawner; eggs incubated in water or damp peat

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Locality fish are all about story and structure. Funge’s compact coastal marshes explain why this population loves soft, shaded water and gentle flow. Keep things calm, foods small and frequent, and always give them mops and plants—even if you’re not collecting eggs. A fresh male Two Stripe Lyretail gliding along a dark root line looks like a living lantern in the shade. Few killies reward steady care with such effortless elegance.