Meaning of Name |
From Latin meaning golden, in reference to the golden yellow colour on the body. | |||
First Description |
Radda A.C. 1980. Beschreibung zweier Aphyosemion Arten aus Süd-Gabun. Aquaria 27 (11) : 201-205. | |||
Size |
4.5 - 5 cm (Radda & Purzl 1985). | |||
Meristics |
D = 13, A = 16-17, D/A = 6-7, ll = 30-32. | |||
Karyotype |
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Sub-Genus |
Has been placed in the sub-genus Mesoaphyosemion but crossing experiments by Hannink in 1982 show a greater affinity to A.punctatum which would place them in the Aphyosemion sub-genus. | |||
Group |
Originally thought to belong to the A.wldekampi group but some authors prefer to place it in the A.elegans group through crossing experiments. | |||
Synonyms |
None | |||
Populations
aff.aureum reported from
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Type Locality |
Along the Lolo River 47km south west of Koulamoutou on Route National 6 towards Mimongo in a small rainforest stream near the village of Mouila 470 metres above sea level on the Du Chaillu Massif in Southern Gabon. This collection was called GHP 80 / 7. | |||
Distribution |
Restricted to the area of the type locality. | |||
Habitat |
Small, fast flowing mountain forest streams. Has also been caught directly in the River Lolo. Also caught in the Yaou River system of southern Gabon. Type locality of A.aureum near the village (not town) of Mouila, Gabon. Photo: Courtesy of Ed Pürzl. | |||
Distinguishing Characteristics | A near spotless fish with golden yellow fins. | |||
Colour/Pattern Variability | Low | |||
History |
Radda originally placed this sp. in the A.coeleste group. Brought into the UK in 1980 by Pürzl & Hofmann. | |||
Breeding Notes |
Not kept this one myself but reports suggest that it requires regular water changes which you would expect with a sp. coming from fast flowing mountain brooks. This would suggest this sp. is sensitive to a build up of dissolved metabolic waste. Breeding is reportedly best carried out in a well planted tank (peat fibre has been recommended). When fry start to appear in the tank move the parents to another set-up & rear the fry on in the original breeding tank. Growth is reported to be fairly rapid with sexual maturity attained around 6 months. Full adult size takes a little longer. | |||
Diameter of Egg | ||||
Remarks |
The golden yellow colouration is nore brighter in wild caught fish. Tank raised fish do not seem as bright although the colour is retained in the un-paired fins. Sides of aquarium raised fish have a purple/blue colouration. Under good conditions the body has a brown/yellow sheen. This sp. seems particularly susceptible to velvet so the tank must be kept clean & clear of un-eaten food left to decay. Regular water changes are required. |