All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Lyretail Killifish

Aphyosemion australe

Also known as lyretail panchax, cape lopez lyretail, chocolate lyretail, orange lyretail, gold australe, lyretail killi, australe killifish, aphyosemion australe hjerreseni, アフィオセミオン・オーストラーレ, 琴尾鳉, 澳洲彩鳉

A slim killifish whose males are brown to orange with red spots and a striking lyre-shaped tail edged in white and orange, while females are plainer brown. It is one of the easiest and most popular killifish, suited to small, densely planted tanks with soft water and floating plants.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5.5 cm

Temperature

21 to 26 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

One male with two or three females, or a species tank with several pairs

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae; some take quality flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal Gabon, Republic of Congo and Cabinda (Angola)

Breeding

A plant-spawning killifish that lays eggs daily on fine plants or spawning mops; eggs hatch in about two weeks in water or can be stored briefly on damp peat. Breeding is fairly easy and fry take infusoria then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Keep a tight lid because it jumps readily, and avoid boisterous or fin-nipping tankmates. Males can squabble in small tanks.