Aphyosemion puerzli is a small freshwater fish from the family Aplocheilidae. It is endemic to western Cameroon, where it inhabits small streams and swamps in the rainforest.

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Appearance

Aphyosemion puerzli is a relatively small killifish, with males reaching a maximum length of about 6 cm and females slightly larger. Males are brightly colored, with a blue body, red fins, and a series of vertical stripes on the sides. Females are less colorful, with a brown body and olive fins.

Habitat

Aphyosemion puerzli is found in small streams and swamps in the rainforest of western Cameroon. The water in these habitats is typically soft and acidic, with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and a hardness of 2-6 dGH. The temperature is also typically warm, ranging from 22-24°C.

Diet

Aphyosemion puerzli is a carnivore and should be fed a diet of live food, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and Daphnia. It will also accept frozen and prepared foods, but live food is preferred.

Breeding

Aphyosemion puerzli is a relatively easy fish to breed in captivity. A pair of fish can be spawned in a small aquarium, with a densely planted bottom and a spawning mop. The water temperature should be raised to 26-28°C. The fish will spawn in the spawning mop, and the eggs can be collected and placed in a separate hatchery tank. The eggs will hatch after about 2-3 weeks.

Care

Aphyosemion puerzli is a relatively undemanding fish in captivity. It can be kept in a small aquarium with a densely planted bottom. The water should be soft and acidic, with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and a hardness of 2-6 dGH. The temperature should be kept between 22-24°C.

Lifespan

Aphyosemion puerzli has a lifespan of about 2-3 years in captivity.

Compatibility

Aphyosemion puerzli is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other small fish. However, it should not be kept with larger fish, as it may be eaten.

Diseases

Aphyosemion puerzli is susceptible to a number of diseases, including ich, white spot disease, and velvet disease. It is important to quarantine all new fish before adding them to your aquarium, and to treat any diseases that do occur promptly.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Aphyosemion puerzli it is important to provide a densely planted bottom. This will give the fish plenty of places to hide and feel safe. It is also important to use a soft, acidic substrate, such as peat moss.

The water temperature should be kept between 22-24°C. A heater may be necessary if the room temperature is cooler than this. A filter is also essential, as it will help to keep the water clean and free of toxins.

Feeding

A. puerzli should be fed a diet of live food, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and Daphnia. It will also accept frozen and prepared foods, but live food is preferred. Live food is more nutritious and provides the fish with the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

Breeding

A. puerzli is a relatively easy fish to breed in captivity. A pair of fish can be spawned in a small aquarium, with a densely planted bottom and a spawning mop. The water temperature should be raised to 26-28°C. The fish will spawn in the spawning mop, and the eggs can be collected and placed in a separate hatchery tank. The eggs will hatch after about 2-3 weeks.

Care

A. puerzli is a relatively undemanding fish in captivity. It can be kept in a small aquarium with a densely planted bottom. The water should be soft and acidic, with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and a hardness of 2-6 dGH. The temperature should be kept between 22-24°C.

Water changes should be performed regularly, about once a week. This will help to keep the water clean and free of waste products. It is also important to test the water regularly to ensure that the pH and hardness are within the optimal range.

Lifespan

A. puerzli has a lifespan of about 2-3 years in captivity.