HomeFreshwater aquarium fishRainbowfish & killifishTwostripe lyretail Twostripe lyretail (Aphyosemion bivittatum) Scientific name: Aphyosemion bivittatum L?nnberg, 1895 The Twostripe lyretail (Aphyosemion bivittatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows to about 5 cm (2 in). It is difficult to keep and peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 US gal), water at 22–25°C (72–77°F) and a pH of 6.0–6.5. Native range: Africa, Southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. Twostripe lyretail care at a glanceCare levelDifficultTemperamentPeacefulCommunity tankNot suitableAdult size5 cm (2 in)Minimum tank40 L (11 US gal)Temperature22–25°C (72–77°F)pH6.0–6.5Hardness1–6 dGH (18–107 ppm)DietOmnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods. BiologyDorsal soft rays (total): 10-13; Anal soft rays: 12 - 15Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameAphyosemion bivittatumFamilyNothobranchiidae (African rivulines)OrderCyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length5.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 1 - 6 benthopelagic; non-migratoryClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon.Conservation status (IUCN)Vulnerable (VU) (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii))Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercial More rainbowfish & killifishRed-Tailed SilversideBedotia geayiLyretail panchaxAphyosemion australeCelebes rainbowfishMarosatherina ladigesiCelebes rainbowTelmatherina celebensisMarmorated medakaOryzias marmoratusArgentine pearlfishAustrolebias bellottiiSee all rainbowfish & killifish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026