Afiosemion Congo

Afiosemion Kongo, scientific name Aphyosemion congicum, belongs to the family Nothobranchiidae (Notobranchiaceae). Rarely found in aquariums due to relative difficulty in keeping and breeding difficulties. Unlike other fish, Killy lives for a long time, in favorable conditions for 3 or more years.

Habitat

The fish comes from the African continent. The exact boundaries of the natural habitat have not been established. Presumably inhabits the Congo Basin in the equatorial part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was first discovered in the jungle in forest streams southeast of the city of Kinshasa.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 4 cm. The main color is golden yellow with small red dots of irregular shape. The pectoral fins are light orange. The tail is yellow with red dots and a dark edge. A bluish sheen is visible on the head in the region of the gill covers.

Unlike most other Killie fish, the Afiosemion Kongo is not a seasonal species. Its life expectancy can reach more than 3 years.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful moving fish. Compatible with other non-aggressive species of comparable size. Males compete with each other for the attention of females. In a small tank, it is recommended to keep only one male in the company of several companions.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 20-24°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – 5–15 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is about 4 cm.
• Nutrition – any food rich in protein
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content – in a group by type of harem
• Life expectancy about 3 years

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

In the wild, this species is found in small ponds and puddles in the litter of a humid equatorial forest. For this reason, fish can successfully live in fairly small tanks. For example, for a pair of Afiosemions of the Congo, an aquarium of 20 liters is enough.

The design recommends a large number of aquatic plants, including floating ones, which serve as an effective means of shading. It is welcomed by the presence of natural snags, as well as the leaves of some trees, which are placed at the bottom.

Considered a hardy species, they are able to withstand significant temperature fluctuations, including brief rises of up to 30°C. However, the range of 20°C – 24°C is considered comfortable.

GH and pH should be maintained at mild, slightly acidic or neutral values.

Sensitive to water quality, which is especially true for small tanks. Water should be regularly replaced with fresh water, combining this procedure with the removal of organic waste. Do not use powerful filters that create a strong current. A simple airlift filter with a sponge as the filter material may be the best choice.

Food

Accepts most popular feeds. Most preferred are live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and large brine shrimp.

Breeding and reproduction

Breeding in home aquaria is difficult. In most cases, fish produce only a few eggs. It is noted that most actively begin to breed upon reaching the age of one year. The most favorable period for spawning begins in the winter months.

Fish do not show parental care. If possible, fry should be transplanted into a separate tank with identical water conditions. Feed brine shrimp nauplii or other micro food. On such a diet, they grow quickly, in 4 months they can already reach 3 cm in length.