Red Barred Killifish 'Bafole'

Red Barred Killifish “Bafole”, Aphyosemion elberti “Bafole”, is a West African killifish locality form from the Bafole area associated with the species’ Nigeria range. Aphyosemion elberti occurs across parts of eastern Nigeria and central Cameroon and into the Central African Republic in related drainages, where it inhabits small streams, creek margins, swampy side waters, and shallow vegetated zones with gentle flow. These habitats are typically warm, shaded or partially shaded, and full of leaf litter, roots, and marginal plant growth.

Adult Aphyosemion elberti “Bafole” typically reaches about 1.5 inches and can approach roughly 1.75 inches at full size. Males are the selling point: a bright blue to blue-green body overlaid with crisp red horizontal striping that reads as red barring in motion, plus ornate fin patterning with red, yellow, and blue accents. When settled, males display constantly, flaring and posturing in short bursts, and the contrast between the red striping and blue base color is intense under subdued lighting. Females are smaller and far less colorful, usually tan to brown with clear fins, which makes the male coloration stand out even more.

A tank of at least 10 to 15 gallons is suitable for a pair or small group, with larger tanks providing more stability and reducing male pressure on females. The aquarium should be planted and structured with fine-leaved plants, moss, floating cover, and shaded areas. Gentle filtration and low to moderate flow are preferred. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species will jump.

Water conditions should be kept clean and stable. Temperatures between 70 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit are a strong target range, with slightly warmer acceptable if conditions are stable and oxygen is good. Soft to moderately soft water with a mildly acidic to near-neutral pH is appropriate. Stability matters more than chasing a perfect number, and regular small water changes are better than infrequent large ones.

Feeding is easy but should be quality-focused. In nature they feed on insects and small aquatic invertebrates. In the aquarium they do best on frozen and live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms, and many will accept quality flakes or small pellets once established. A varied diet improves color, fin condition, and breeding output.

Temperament is typical of Aphyosemion. Males are territorial with one another, and multiple males should only be kept in larger, heavily planted tanks with strong visual barriers. A common setup is one male with one or two females. They can work with very calm, non-competitive tankmates, but they are at their best in a species-focused setup where feeding is controlled and stress is minimized.

Breeding Aphyosemion elberti “Bafole” is achievable and is one of the main reasons people keep them. They deposit adhesive eggs in fine plants, moss, or spawning mops. Adults do not provide parental care, so eggs are typically collected and incubated separately for best results. Fry are small and do best on infusoria first, followed by baby brine shrimp as soon as they can take it.

Aphyosemion elberti “Bafole” is a premium display killifish for small planted aquariums, offering vivid red striping, intense blue body color, and constant, engaging behavior in a compact package when kept in clean, stable water with gentle surroundings.