Lyretail Killifish / Cape Lopez

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the coastal region of northern Gabon and Congo in West Africa. Inhabits permanent swamps, slow forest pools and rivulets heavily shaded by dense jungle vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe). One of the most loved and widespread Killifish in the world. It is known for the incredible "lyretail" tails of the males, with filamentous extensions on both the upper and lower lobe.

Social Behavior: Moderately peaceful species, but males are exhibitionists and often conflictual with each other. Keeping a male with a harem of females (1 male to 2-3 females) reduces stress and distributes the insistence in courtship.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Highly accentuated dimorphism. Males show a chocolate/reddish base livery ("Chocolate") or flaming orange ("Gold", the most common mutation) studded with red spots. Females are a modest uniform hazel-gray color with rounded and short fins.

Aquarium Setup: Specific species tank of 40-60 cm (16-24 inches). Needs a lot of shade: abundant floating plants, wood clogged with moss (Java moss) and peat on the bottom to acidify the water. Cover carefully: they jump through microscopic holes.

Diet and Feeding: Predominantly insectivorous. Often rejects dry feeds or spits them out. The staple diet must consist of Grindal worms, live/frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. A varied protein intake is the only way to keep breeders healthy.

Water Quality: Lover of soft (GH 1-5), acidic and moderately cool waters. High temperatures (above 26°C / 79°F) drastically shorten their life expectancy and cause the appearance of lethal bacterial diseases. No water current.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Due to their slowness and delicate fins, they should be kept in dedicated tanks (species only) or with very peaceful and slow tankmates, such as small bottom fish (Corydoras habrosus) or otocinclus. Intolerant towards Caridina shrimp.

Aquarium Reproduction: "Non-annual" Killi, lays eggs (spawners) with continuous development. The eggs are attached to wool mops or mosses every day (10-20 at a time). The eggs incubate in water in about 14-20 days, the fry need infusoria.

Risks and Diseases: Very sensitive to velvet (Oodinium) induced by polluted or too hot water. The lyretails of males are easy targets for bites from other fish: post-bite bacterial decay is rapid and fatal.