The article in brief
Discover the fascinating characteristics of the female killi cap lopez, a charming little aquatic jewel. Here's what you need to know:
- Discreet appearance Size: 4.5 to 6 cm, brownish-bronze colouring with irregular red spots on the sides.
- Ideal habitat Soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5-7), temperature 21-29°C, dense vegetation to hide.
- A varied diet Diet of worms, crustaceans and insects, for distribution several times a week.
- Interesting reproduction Daily laying, eggs incubate for 3 weeks, rapid growth of fry.
Ah, the female killi cap lopez! A little aquatic jewel that I was lucky enough to observe up close in my department. Let me share with you my experience and knowledge of this fascinating species. You'll see, it's a fish that doesn't lack charm!
Physical characteristics of the female killi cap lopez
La female killi cap lopezknown scientifically as Aphyosemion australe, is a veritable aquatic jewel. Although not as flamboyant as its male counterpart, it has its own particular strengths. Here's what sets it apart:
Size and shape
These damselflies are rather cute for their modest size. They are between 4.5 and 6 cm long. I noticed that their silhouette is slightly different from that of the males. Their abdomen is more rounded, especially when they are ready to lay eggs. It's a bit like wearing a little rugby ball!
Colours and patterns
The female has a more discreet coat than her partner, but is no less elegant. Its general colouring is brownish-bronze, making it easy to blend in with its surroundings. On its flanks, there are irregularly distributed red spots. It's as if an artist has dotted its body with little touches of colour!
Fins and eyes
The fins of the female killi cap lopez are round and mainly colourless, with small reddish-brown spots. A captivating detail: older females can develop a vague pattern on their odd-numbered fins, reminiscent of that of males. As for their eyes, they have a green iris that gives them a sparkling look.
Aquarium maintenance and care
Taking care of these charming creatures requires a bit of attention, but it's far from insurmountable. Here are my tips for providing them with the ideal habitat:
Water conditions
Female killi cap lopez prefer soft, slightly acidic water. Here are the parameters to be respected:
- Hardness (GH): between 1 and 10
- pH: between 5.5 and 7
- Temperature: between 21 and 29°C
I've noticed that they're more active and colourful when the water is well balanced. It's a bit like us: when we're in our element, we glow!
Aquarium layout
These damselflies love to hide, so don't hesitate to offer them plenty of refuges. Personally, I've created a veritable plant paradise in their tank. Here's what I recommend:
- Dense vegetation for concealment
- Shaded areas for resting
- Mops (artificial egg-laying supports) for reproduction
Don't forget, a well-planted aquarium is your guarantee of good fish. females killi cap lopez healthy and fulfilled.
Food and behaviour
These little gourmets have an ogre's appetite! Their diet consists mainly of :
| Type of food | Frequency |
|---|---|
| To | 2-3 times a week |
| Crustaceans | 1-2 times a week |
| Insects and their larvae | 2-3 times a week |
In terms of behaviour, I've noticed that they're quite peaceful. However, it's better to keep 2 or 3 females for every 1 male. This allows the male's attention to be spread out and prevents any single female from being too busy. It's a bit like a party - you have to divide the guests up!
If you are interested in other species of aquarium fish, I recommend that you take a look at our complete guide to guppy. An excellent companion for killis!
Reproduction and life cycle
The reproduction of Cape Lopez killis is an interesting sight. Here's what I've seen over the years:
Laying and incubation
Females are veritable egg factories! They can lay up to ten eggs a day. These eggs, around 1.2 mm in diameter, are adhesive and stick to vegetation. Incubation takes around 3 weeks. It's like a natural mini incubator!
Growth and life expectancy
Once hatched, the fry grow rapidly. Females reach sexual maturity in a few months. Their life expectancy is relatively short, between 1 and 3 years. That's why it's vital to offer them the best possible quality of life.
If you are passionate about viviparous fish, I also invite you to discover our article on the platyanother exciting species for your aquarium.
Tips for happy female killi cap lopez
To sum up, here are my top tips to help your female killi cap lopez flourish:
- Maintain good quality water by changing regularly
- Vary their diet to stimulate their natural colours
- Offer them plenty of hiding places to reduce their stress
- Observe them regularly for signs of disease
- Enjoy their discreet beauty and interesting behaviour!
As a keen aquarist, I can assure you that caring for these little marvels is a rewarding experience. Every day, they teach me something new about the aquatic world. Don't hesitate to embark on this adventure, you won't regret it!
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
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