Aphyosemion australe

The Lyretail Killifish is a strikingly beautiful and active freshwater fish from West Africa, known for its elegant fins and engaging personality in the aquarium. This species thrives in tanks with low water flow and plenty of vegetation to explore. As carnivores, their diet should consist of high-quality foods such as live, frozen, or freeze-dried preparations, though they will often accept flakes. They generally occupy the top and middle levels of the water column, so a secure, tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known for their ability to jump out of the water. Males can be territorial, especially towards other males of the same species, so care should be taken when planning a community tank. With a relatively short lifespan of a couple of years, many aquarists find joy in breeding this species to continue its lineage in their care. Its moderate activity level and low waste production make it a manageable and rewarding fish for a properly set up environment.

The Lyretail Killifish, originating from the slow-moving streams and swamps of West Africa, is a captivating species for the dedicated hobbyist. Its natural habitat consists of soft, acidic waters, often stained with tannins from submerged wood and decaying leaf litter. To replicate this environment, an aquarium with low water flow is crucial. A dark substrate, abundant live plants, floating vegetation, and driftwood will not only mimic its home but also provide security and diffuse lighting, which encourages the fish to display its most impressive behaviors and appearance. These fish are primarily carnivorous and require a varied, protein-rich diet. While they may accept high-quality flakes, their health and vitality are best maintained with regular feedings of live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and various worms. This varied diet is particularly important for conditioning them for breeding. Behaviorally, the species exhibits interesting social dynamics. Males are known to be territorial and will often display and spar with rivals, so it's advisable to keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large and heavily decorated to break lines of sight. A better approach is to house a single male with a small group of females, which allows the male's attention to be distributed, reducing stress on any one individual. These fish are active swimmers in the upper and middle sections of the tank and are accomplished jumpers, an instinct likely developed to escape predators or move between pools in the wild. Therefore, a tightly sealed lid is non-negotiable. With its moderate metabolism and low bioload, it won't heavily tax a tank's filtration system, but stable water conditions are still paramount for this moderately difficult-to-keep species.

Breeding the Lyretail Killifish is considered a moderately challenging but highly rewarding endeavor. Success begins with selecting healthy, well-conditioned adults and establishing a proper social group. A recommended ratio is one male to two or three females; this helps disperse the male’s persistent courtship and potential aggression. Identifying the sexes is straightforward: males are larger, far more colorful, and possess the long, ornate fin extensions that form the signature 'lyretail,' while females are smaller, drabber in color, and have simple, rounded fins. This species is an egg-scattering plant spawner, meaning they do not practice parental care and will readily consume their own eggs and fry. For a dedicated breeding attempt, a separate breeding tank is highly recommended. This tank should contain soft, slightly acidic water and be furnished with spawning media, such as dense clumps of fine-leaved plants (e.g., Java moss or Hornwort) or artificial yarn spawning mops. To condition the group for spawning, provide a diet rich in live and frozen foods for one to two weeks. Once introduced to the breeding tank, the male will court a female, guiding her into the spawning media where pairs will release and fertilize a few eggs at a time. The adhesive eggs will stick to the plants or mops. The spawning media should be checked daily and removed to a separate, shallow hatching container with water from the main tank. This protects the eggs from being eaten by the parents. Depending on water temperature, the eggs will hatch in approximately 10 to 21 days. The newly hatched fry are minuscule and require microscopic first foods like infusoria or liquid fry food. After a few days, they can be transitioned to newly hatched brine shrimp, which will fuel their rapid growth.