Gold Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) Pair

Common Name

Golden Lyretail Killifish. 

Origin and Habitat

Scientific name Aphyosemion australe, also called the Cape Lopez Lyretail. Wild fish live in coastal rainforest regions of Gabon in shallow forest streams, swamps, and pools with leaf litter, soft acidic water, and gentle flow under shaded canopy.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred temperature about 20 to 24 Celsius, 68 to 75 Fahrenheit. Wild pH often 5.0 to 6.5. We share this for context, we do not recommend chasing or altering parameters except in special breeding situations. Stable clean conditions are more important than a specific number.

Appearance and Size

Gold strain shows rich orange to golden body color with contrasting fin edges and small spots. Males are brighter with a lyre tailed caudal fin and extended fins. Females are smaller with rounder fins. Maximum length about 5 to 6 centimeters, about 2.0 to 2.4 inches.

Diet in the Wild

Micro predator of small insects, insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, worms, and planktonic invertebrates near plants and leaf litter.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer small varied foods. Newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, grindal worms, micro pellets, and frozen cyclops work well. Several small feedings keep condition high without polluting the water.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and best in a calm community or a species tank. Provide floating plants, fine leaved cover, dark substrate, and gentle filtration with a sponge filter. Use a tight lid since killifish jump. Keep pairs or a small harem such as one male with two or three females. A planted ten gallon tank suits a breeding group.

Breeding

Non annual adhesive egg scatterer that spawns in mops and fine plants. Condition adults with live and frozen foods. A small cool water change can encourage activity.

Egg care and hatching
Eggs adhere to mops and plants. Collect eggs and water incubate in clean water with very gentle aeration, or leave them in dense moss for natural protection. At 22 to 24 Celsius embryos often develop in about 12 to 18 days. Fry hatch small, rest briefly on the bottom, then swim free. Start with infusoria or vinegar eels, then newly hatched brine shrimp. Parents may eat eggs or tiny fry, so remove eggs or move adults after a spawn.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Aphyosemion australe
• Origin: Coastal Gabon rainforest streams and pools
• Size: Up to 5 to 6 centimeters, about 2.0 to 2.4 inches
• Temperature: About 20 to 24 Celsius, 68 to 75 Fahrenheit
• pH in the wild: Often 5.0 to 6.5, stability matters more than the exact number
• Temperament: Peaceful, calm communities or species tanks
• Diet: Small live and frozen foods, quality micro pellets
• Breeding: Non annual adhesive egg scatterer, plant and mop spawner, eggs hatch in about two weeks at typical room temperatures

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Golden Lyretails shine in planted desktops and quiet communities with tiny rasboras, small tetras, and peaceful catfish like pygmy corydoras. Provide floating plants, fine cover, and small varied meals. A yarn mop and steady routine make breeding simple. It was one of the first killifish Chris spawned and raised, so this species is extra special to our team.