Species profile
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Gentle non-annual West African killifish, available in chocolate and gold colour forms. Prefers soft, calm water and quiet tankmates.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH
1–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Generally peaceful but males display and may spar. Best as a pair/trio or small group with visual cover; avoid boisterous feeding competitors.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Aphyosemion australe
Alternative names
Lyretail Killifish, Cape Lopez Lyretail, Lyretail Panchax
Native range
Gabon and adjacent coastal West-Central African habitats around Cape Lopez.
Natural habitat
Quiet shaded forest waters. Provide plants, leaf litter/wood, gentle filtration and a very secure lid.
Diet & feeding
Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Small live/frozen foods are ideal, supported by suitable quality prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are much more colourful with the characteristic lyre-shaped tail; females are smaller/duller with rounder fins.
Breeding
Non-annual plant/spawning-mop egg layer. Eggs are deposited individually among fine vegetation and usually hatch after a short incubation rather than a dry-season diapause.