A highly popular and stunning African killifish. Unlike 'annual' killifish that die after a single breeding season, Aphyosemion australe is a 'non-annual' species that can live for 3+ years in an aquarium. They are notorious jumpers and require a tight-fitting lid. Best kept in heavily planted aquariums with soft, acidic water.
Lyretail Killifish At a Glance
Lyretail Killifish Tank Requirements
Will Lyretail Killifish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Lyretail Killifish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Lyretail Killifish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Lyretail Killifish Water Parameters
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Lyretail Killifish Temperament & Compatibility
Lyretail Killifish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Chocolate / Wild Type)
Features beautiful red, blue, and brown coloration with distinctive 'lyretail' fin extensions. Males will spar with each other; it is best to keep a ratio of one male to two or more females.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Chocolate Lyretail, Standard Male
Male (Gold Morph)
A very common captive-bred golden/orange color mutation. Exhibits the same long fin extensions and territorial behaviors as the wild type male.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Gold Lyretail, Orange Lyretail, Hjerresen
Female
Females are slightly smaller, lack the lyretail extensions, and feature a much plainer, drab brown/tan coloration with small red spots. They are peaceful and can be kept in larger groups.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Killifish
Lyretail Killifish Care Guide Summary
The Lyretail Killifish, scientifically known as Aphyosemion australe, belongs to the Killifish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Lyretail Killifish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 21°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Lyretail Killifish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Chocolate / Wild Type), Male (Gold Morph), and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Lyretail Killifish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lyretail Killifish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Lyretail Killifish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Lyretail Killifish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Lyretail Killifish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Lyretail Killifish.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lyretail Killifish
How big does Lyretail Killifish get?
Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Lyretail Killifish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Lyretail Killifish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Lyretail Killifish need?
Lyretail Killifish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 21–26°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Lyretail Killifish peaceful or aggressive?
Lyretail Killifish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Lyretail Killifish live alone?
Yes, Lyretail Killifish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Lyretail Killifish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Lyretail Killifish benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Lyretail Killifish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Lyretail Killifish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Lyretail Killifish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Lyretail Killifish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lentiginosa
Loricaria lentiginosa
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lata (L010)
Loricaria lata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Lyretail Killifish
These plants pair well with Lyretail Killifish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Lyretail Killifish
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nothobranchius rachovii
A stunning annual killifish native to temporary floodplains in East Africa. Because their natural habitats dry up seasonally, they have a short lifespan (usually 8-12 months) and grow incredibly fast. They spawn by diving into soft substrate to bury their eggs, which then require a dry incubation period. Best kept in species-only setups with a soft soil or peat substrate.
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
A striking nano killifish resembling a tiny rocket. Native to West African swamps, they have distinct black and yellow vertical bands. They are strictly surface dwellers (top-level) and are non-annual, meaning they live longer than annual killifish (2-3+ years). They are notorious jumpers and require a tight lid.
Gardner's Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
A stunning, semi-annual killifish native to Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for being relatively hardy and an excellent 'beginner' killifish. They are notorious jumpers and require a tightly fitting lid. While they can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized, fast-moving fish, males can be boisterous and territorial.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Micropanchax macrophthalmus
A peaceful, nano-sized schooling killifish native to West Africa. They are renowned for the brilliant, iridescent blue or green reflective spot on the upper part of their eye. Unlike seasonal killifish, they are relatively long-lived (2-4 years). They require well-established, densely planted aquariums and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Heterandria formosa
Despite its common name, the Least Killifish is actually one of the smallest livebearing fish in the world, belonging to the Poeciliidae family, not the killifish family. Native to the southeastern United States, they are incredibly peaceful and perfect for nano tanks. Unlike most livebearers, they exhibit 'superfoetation', meaning females drop 1-2 fry every few days rather than a large single brood.
Golden Wonder Killifish
Aplocheilus lineatus
A large, incredibly hardy, surface-dwelling killifish. The 'Golden Wonder' is a selectively bred bright yellow morph of the wild Striped Panchax. They are notorious predators with surprisingly large, trapdoor-like mouths; they will easily consume neon tetras, guppies, and dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful with fish too large to eat, but require a tight-fitting lid as they are expert jumpers.