Chocolate and orange speckled with white, and a tail drawn out into two long points like the arms of a lyre. Calmer than most killifish and among the easiest to breed.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Skin conditions
- Parasites
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
- GroomingRoutine tank care
Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment2โ3 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Skin conditions
๐ Care guide
The Lyretail Killifish or Cape Lopez (Aphyosemion australe) comes from coastal forest streams and swamps in Gabon, Cameroon and Congo and reaches about 5 to 6 cm. Both a wild chocolate-brown form and a widely bred golden-orange form are sold. It is a non-annual killifish, so it lives a normal two to three years rather than a single season. Keep a pair or a trio in a planted tank of 40 litres or more at 21-26C with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 and soft, slightly acidic water, gentle filtration, dim light, driftwood and floating plants. A tight lid matters as much as it does for any killifish. Feed live and frozen foods as the core diet, including daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp and grindal worms, with flake or pellets as a supplement. It is one of the most peaceful killifish and one of the best starting points for the group, spawning readily on a spawning mop with eggs that can simply be left in a well-planted tank.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Lyretail Killifish?
Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
How much maintenance does a Lyretail Killifish need?
Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
What tank size does a Lyretail Killifish need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Lyretail Killifish a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Lyretail Killifish live?
2โ3 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Lyretail Killifish?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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