
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aphyosemion australe
A killifish whose caudal fin extends top and bottom into a lyre shape. The wild form is reddish brown, but most fish in the trade are the orange gold strain. Peaceful and easy to keep and breed, it suits beginners.
Aphyosemion australe is a killifish of coastal forests in Angola, Gabon, Cameroon and Congo. It reaches about 6cm, and males extend the upper and lower caudal lobes into the lyre shape that gives it its English name. Wild fish are reddish brown with red spotting, but the strain most often traded is the near-uniform orange gold form. It was among the first killifish to become popular in the hobby, and Seriously Fish describes it as very peaceful and shy. FishBase records 21-24C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 5-12dH in the wild. Seriously Fish gives aquarium values of pH 5.5-7.0, 1-10dGH and a 45 x 25cm tank of about 28 litres, noting tolerance up to 32C. Fast-moving fish will outcompete it for food, so tankmates should be limited to gentle species such as small characins, rasboras and corydoras. Breeding is relatively easy, the eggs being hung among fine-leaved plants. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lyretail Killifish lives 2-4 years.
The Lyretail Killifish grows to About 6cm.
The ideal temperature for the Lyretail Killifish is 21〜24℃.
Origin
Central Africa (Angola, Gabon, Cameroon and Congo)
Lifespan
2-4 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Aphyosemion australe (Rachow, 1921)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
About 6cm
Temperature
21〜24℃
Frozen bloodworm, Artemia, prepared foods
A 45 x 25cm tank of about 28 litres is enough. Fit a tight lid because it jumps, and plant heavily so it settles.
FishBase records 21-24C in the wild. Seriously Fish gives pH 5.5-7.0 and 1-10dGH, and notes tolerance to 32C.
Very peaceful and shy, and easily outcompeted by fast fish. Combine it with gentle species such as small characins, rasboras, corydoras and small loricariids.
Largely carnivorous. Base the diet on frozen bloodworm and Artemia; it also takes prepared foods.
Relatively easy. Eggs are hung among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. A single pair gives the best yield; trios tend to produce fewer eggs.
It is an accomplished jumper, so close every gap in the lid and watch for escapes at feeding time. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Lyretail Killifish is 21〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Lyretail Killifish is 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Lyretail Killifish typically reaches About 6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lyretail Killifish feeds on: Frozen bloodworm, Artemia, prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lyretail Killifish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026