Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) Care Guide

The most popular Aphyosemion species and arguably the best beginner killifish. Males display a chocolate-brown to orange body covered in red dots, with elegantly lyrate tail fins edged in white.

Overview

Aphyosemion australe is a species in the family Nothobranchiidae. The most popular Aphyosemion species and arguably the best beginner killifish. Males display a chocolate-brown to orange body covered in red dots, with elegantly lyrate tail fins edged in white. A non-annual species that is easy to breed and hardy in planted aquariums.

Taxonomy

Family: Nothobranchiidae
Genus: Aphyosemion
Scientific name: Aphyosemion australe
Other names: Cape Lopez Lyretail, Lyretail Panchax, Chocolate Australe
Origin: Africa, Gabon, Congo

Habitat

Native to coastal lowlands of Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, where it inhabits small forest streams, swamps and seasonally flooded pools under closed-canopy rainforest. A non-annual killifish that lays adhesive eggs on fine-leaved plants or peat fibre; the eggs hatch within 2-3 weeks under continuous immersion.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 30 L
Temperature: 20-26 °C
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-6 cm
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: top
Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp, Otocinclus
Avoid with: Betta, Large Fish, Fin Nippers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: beginner