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Etymology: coeleste(L.): refers to the blue color of the body

Synonyms: Haplochilus cameronensis non Boulenger 1903; Pellegrin 1930

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Siluriformes Family: Cyprinodontidae subfamily: Ancistrinae

First European import: 1979 by J.H.Huber.

Description: See picture. Variable species, coloration depends on origin. The fish in the top picture comes from Titi.

Care: Can be kept in small species tanks, or combined with fish that have similar requirements. A typical setup is to have a 5 cm layer of peat on the bottom, a low pH and soft water, subdued light and a little bit of filtration(usually sponge fiters). For plants some floating plants(Pistia, Salvinia) and javamoss are usefull and nice.

Temperature:18-23°C

Feeding: Live food only

Size: up to 4.5 cm

pH: 5.0-7.0

Breeding: Seasonal spawning fish. The fish will spawn in the peat on the bottom of the tank. Eggs should be removed and kept dry for a period of tie.

Sexual dimorphism: Males much more colorfull than the females

Prices: These fish are not available in the shops. Try to obtain them through your National Killifish Association.

Additional:

Picture references: Picture 1: E. Naus

References: http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Killifish/Killifish%20Website/Ref_Library/Aphyosemion/A.coeleste.htm