"For a killie first imported in 1909 or so there are surprisingly few in-depth articles on breeding Callopanchax occidentalis (formerly Aphyosemion sjoestedti as seen here until Clausen caught Boulenger's boo-boo) in the literature, especially when compared to other classic species like blue gularis, australe, bivittatum (or related species) and gardneri. Below is one of the best older pieces on occidentalis. Authored by Charlie Glut, a member of the charter committee of the AKA, it pictures the great old "Aquarium Hamburg" strain of occidentalis. Gone from the hobby by the 1980's, this big aggressive deep red strain was gorgeous. Even the females were a reddish gold color. Today's occidentalis populations lack the intensity of red, the deep indigo throats and the reddish females (simply brown). Scheel's ROTOW also offers a great black and white photograph of the "Aquarium Hamburg" strain. The French Killifish Association published a special issue of their journal on Callopanchax about 15 years ago authored by Cauvet. It centered on Cauvet's extensive collections of the genus Callopanchax as well as his breeding experience. Sadly, it's never been made available in English.
Most photos of occidentalis from 1945 until at least Roloff's mid-60's collection will be the AH strain. They supplied the market and there was no collecting. There are color photos here and there but nothing exceptional that I know of." - Bobby Ellerman
