Aphyosemion australe (Golden Lyretail Killifish)

18 August 2026

498

The Golden Lyretail Killifish, a stunning selectively bred variant of the Cape Lopez Killifish, originates from West Africa. Renowned for its vibrant orange-gold coloration and elegant lyre-shaped tail, this non-annual killifish is highly prized by aquarists. It exhibits peaceful behavior but requires a well-planted, tightly covered aquarium to thrive.

Aphyosemion australe (Golden Lyretail Killifish)

Overview

The Golden Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe), often referred to as the Kap Lopez Killifish, is a captivating freshwater species. The "Gold" or "Hjersseni" variant is a selectively bred, aquarium-strain coloration of the wild form, which is typically browner. Known for its hardiness compared to other killifish, it is a non-annual species, meaning it does not die off after a single dry season in the wild, making it a wonderful long-term resident for dedicated aquarists.

Image of kap lopez prachtkaerpfling gold aphyosemion australe hjersseni

Distribution and Habitat

The wild Aphyosemion australe is native to the coastal regions of West Africa, specifically Gabon around the Cape Lopez area. They naturally inhabit swamps, slow-moving streams, and shallow pools under the thick canopy of the rainforest. These waters are heavily shaded, extremely soft, and acidic due to the accumulation of decaying organic matter like leaves and wood. The golden variant, however, was developed in captivity and is not found in the wild.

Description of Golden Lyretail Killifish

Body shape:

They possess a slender, elongated, and somewhat cylindrical body, typical of many surface-dwelling killifish, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation with ease.

Color:

The males exhibit a breathtaking bright orange-gold base color, heavily speckled with contrasting deep red spots and streaks along the flanks. Females are generally paler, exhibiting a subdued yellow-brown hue with fewer spots.

Barbels:

This species does not possess any barbels.

Snout:

They have a pointed snout with a distinctively upturned mouth, perfectly adapted for snatching insects and larvae from the water's surface.

Eyes:

The eyes are relatively large with a dark pupil, often surrounded by a reflective golden or orange rim.

Fins:

The dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body and are highly extended in males. They feature striking red sub-marginal bands bordered by bright white tips.

The Tail:

The caudal fin (tail) is the defining feature of the males, boasting a beautiful lyre shape with elongated upper and lower rays that are tipped in white and red.

Temper

This species is generally peaceful and makes a good addition to a carefully planned community tank. However, males can be territorial and display mild aggression towards one another, especially in smaller setups.

Sociality

They are best kept in pairs or small harems consisting of one male and multiple females. This helps to disperse the male's breeding attention and reduces stress on individual females. They can be kept with other small, peaceful, and slow-moving fish.

Activity

They are moderately active and spend the majority of their time in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. They are also known to be excellent jumpers, especially when startled.

Keeping and Caring for Golden Lyretail Killifish

Tank size:

A minimum tank size of 20 liters (5 gallons) is sufficient for a single pair. However, a 40-liter (10-gallon) or larger aquarium is highly recommended if you plan to keep a harem or a small community.

Water Parameters:

Temperature

They thrive in slightly cooler tropical temperatures ranging from 21°C to 26°C (70°F - 79°F).

pH

The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0.

Hardness

They prefer soft water, with a general hardness (dGH) ranging from 1 to 10.

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate

Ammonia and Nitrite must always be at 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm, through regular water changes.

Lighting

Dim to moderate lighting is preferred to mimic their natural, shaded rainforest habitat. Floating plants can be used to diffuse bright aquarium lights.

Water flow

Water movement should be kept to a minimum. Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, is ideal as they do not appreciate strong currents.

Decorations and Plants

A heavily planted tank is highly recommended. Use fine-leaved plants like Java Moss, Water Sprite, and floating plants. Driftwood and dried Indian Almond leaves (catappa) can be added to release tannins, which tint the water and lower the pH. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential to prevent them from jumping out.

Diet

In nature, they are micro-predators feeding on insects, larvae, and small crustaceans. In the aquarium, they are primarily carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet.

Some Feeding Tips

While they may accept high-quality crushed flakes or micro-pellets, their diet should heavily feature live or frozen foods. Offer them bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae to ensure optimal health and vibrant coloration.

Breeding

Breeding the Golden Lyretail Killifish is relatively easy. They are plant spawners that lay adhesive eggs continuously over several days. Provide a spawning mop or dense clumps of Java Moss. The eggs can be left in the tank if it is heavily planted, but for a higher survival rate, the mop or moss should be removed to a separate rearing container. Depending on temperature, eggs incubate in water for 14 to 21 days before hatching. Fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to freshly hatched baby brine shrimp.

Conclusion

The Golden Lyretail Killifish is a magnificent and rewarding fish for both intermediate and experienced aquarists. Their breathtaking golden-orange coloration, elegant finnage, and fascinating behaviors make them a standout species. By providing a secure, well-planted environment with gentle water parameters and a high-quality diet, you can enjoy these beautiful non-annual killifish for years to come.

Fish info

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: 6 cm
Life expectancy: 2-3 years
Fish type: Killifish
Temperature : 21-26°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Color Form: Gold, Orange, Red, White

Related on Fishs

Leave your comments

Latest on Fishs

Redhump Eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri)

Moderate

South American eartheater cichlid

Geophagus steindachneri is a South American eartheater distinguished by its sloping forehead, browsing mouth and habit of sifting fine substrate for food. Adults become substantial, active cichlids that need generous floor space, clean water and a soft sand bed. The supplied fish are identified as Redhump Eartheaters, but locality and sex cannot be confirmed from the listing alone. They are generally peaceful for their size, though territorial behavior increases during spawning.
Rachow's Splendour Ground Carp (Nothobranchius rachovii)

Moderate - Difficult

Annual killifish

Rachow's splendour ground carp is a brightly marked annual killifish from seasonal freshwater habitats in Mozambique. Males display intense orange, red, blue and white coloration, while females are usually much plainer. It is best maintained in a species-focused aquarium with gentle filtration, a covered top and soft spawning material. The fish has a short natural lifespan, but careful feeding and egg management make it a rewarding specialist species. Aquarium specimens may represent different geographic forms, so locality information is valuable when available.
Red Tiger Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)

Difficult

Large South American cichlid

The Red Tiger Oscar is a selectively bred color form of Astronotus ocellatus, a large South American cichlid known for intelligence, bold feeding behavior, and strong individual personality. The supplied source describes a pair, but sex and true pair-bond status cannot be confirmed from the images alone. Oscars require a spacious, strongly filtered aquarium, careful tankmate selection, and a varied diet. They are rewarding display fish, but their adult size, territorial behavior, waste production, and tendency to rearrange décor make them unsuitable for most community aquariums.
Red Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)

Difficult

Large South American cichlid

The red Oscar is a selectively bred color form of Astronotus ocellatus, a large South American cichlid valued for its intelligence, interactive behavior, and bold appearance. The supplied source describes a pair, while the images show Oscar-like fish with predominantly orange-red bodies. Exact strain and sex cannot be confirmed from the images alone. This is a powerful, messy-eating species that requires a spacious aquarium, strong filtration, and careful planning for compatibility.
Kenyi Cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi)

Moderate - Difficult

Lake Malawi mbuna cichlid

The fish sold as Pseudotropheus lombardoi is now generally treated as Maylandia lombardoi, a Lake Malawi mbuna commonly known as the Kenyi cichlid. It is a robust, territorial algae grazer that needs hard, alkaline water, abundant rockwork and carefully planned tank-mate selection. Adult coloration is strongly sex- and mood-dependent, and the supplied images show a blue to turquoise fish with pale yellow tones rather than proving a particular sex or commercial color form. Identification and the claimed pair status should therefore be confirmed by the seller.
Betta imbellis: Peaceful Fighting Fish Care Guide

Moderate

Osphronemid labyrinth fish

Betta imbellis, commonly called the peaceful fighting fish, is a small labyrinth fish from shallow, slow-moving waters of the Malay Peninsula and nearby parts of Sumatra. It is generally less combative than Betta splendens, although males remain territorial and should not be assumed to be universally peaceful. This guide covers identification, habitat, aquarium care, feeding, tank mates and bubble-nest breeding. The pictured fish appears consistent with a selectively bred, long-finned Betta imbellis, but image-only identification cannot confirm its lineage or locality.
Nicaraguan Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

Moderate - Difficult

Large Central American cichlid

The Nicaraguan cichlid is a robust Central American species known for its changing gold, orange, blue and black patterning. It is often sold under the older name Cichlasoma nicaraguense, while Hypsophrys nicaraguensis is the generally accepted current placement. This is a territorial fish requiring substantial space, strong filtration and carefully planned tank mates. The supplied listing describes a pair, but sex, compatibility and breeding condition cannot be independently verified from the source image alone.
Pearl Gourami (Trichogaster leerii)

Easy - Moderate

Peaceful freshwater labyrinth fish

The pearl gourami is a peaceful, labyrinth fish recognized by its pearly spots, dark midlateral stripe, and warm orange throat. It originates in vegetated, slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia and is generally suitable for a calm community aquarium. A pair needs stable, warm water, dense cover, gentle flow, and access to atmospheric air at the surface.
Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)

Moderate

Southeast Asian labyrinth fish

The moonlight gourami is a peaceful, laterally compressed labyrinth fish from mainland Southeast Asia. Its silvery body, long thread-like pelvic fins and calm, deliberate swimming make it a distinctive community-aquarium species. Although the supplied source identifies a pair, sex cannot be confirmed reliably from the images alone. Provide a spacious, mature aquarium with gentle flow, dense planting and access to humid air above the water. It is generally hardy once acclimated, but it appreciates stable conditions and should not be housed with fin-nipping or highly aggressive tank mates.
Keyhole Cichlid (Aequidens maronii)

Moderate

South American freshwater cichlid

The fish supplied is consistent with the keyhole cichlid, commonly listed as Aequidens maronii and currently placed by many authorities in the genus Cleithracara. It is a relatively peaceful South American cichlid recognized by its dark keyhole-shaped marking, subdued body coloration and interesting parental care. A pair needs a mature, well-filtered aquarium with soft surroundings, hiding places and stable water quality. Although generally manageable, it becomes territorial while spawning and should not be kept with boisterous or fin-nipping tank mates.
Marble Gourami (Cosby Gourami), Trichopodus trichopterus

Easy - Moderate

Freshwater labyrinth fish

The marble gourami, commonly sold as the Cosby gourami, is a selectively bred color form of the three-spot gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus. It is a labyrinth fish that can breathe atmospheric air and generally occupies the upper and middle levels of a planted aquarium. This species is usually hardy, but adult males may become territorial, particularly when spawning. The supplied images show several color forms, so exact strain identification is not certain; the fish are best treated as marble or related cultivated forms of T. trichopterus.
Marble Gourami, Gold-Orange Form (Trichogaster trichopterus)

Easy - Moderate

Freshwater labyrinth fish

The marble gourami is a selectively bred color form of the three-spot gourami, a labyrinth fish from mainland and island Southeast Asia. The supplied trade label identifies these fish as a gold-orange pair, although commercial names and appearance can vary, so the exact cultivated form is not fully certain. They are generally hardy community fish, but males may become territorial, especially when spawning. Provide warm, stable water, surface access, dense planting, and gentle filtration.
Honey Gourami Gold (Trichogaster chuna)

Easy - Moderate

Small freshwater labyrinth fish

The honey gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish suited to planted freshwater aquariums. The supplied source identifies a gold pair as Colisa chuna, an older name now generally treated as Trichogaster chuna. The photographs show orange-gold individuals, but sex and exact variety cannot be confirmed from the images alone. Provide gentle flow, surface access, dense cover and calm tank mates for best results.
Honey Gourami (Colisa chuna) Care Guide

Easy - Moderate

Small freshwater labyrinth fish

The honey gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish from the slow-moving waters of South Asia. Aquarium specimens may be natural honey-colored fish or selectively bred red and orange forms, like those shown here. The supplied images appear consistent with honey gourami, although sex cannot be confirmed reliably from the photographs. A planted aquarium with gentle flow, surface cover, stable warm water and calm tank mates suits this species well.
Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) Care Guide

Easy - Moderate

Labyrinth fish; freshwater anabantoid

The blue gourami is a hardy labyrinth fish suited to a spacious, planted community aquarium. It is the blue color form of the three-spot gourami, a species that can become territorial, particularly when males mature or spawn. Provide gentle filtration, access to warm humid air above the water, hiding places, and a varied diet. The supplied images clearly show blue gouramis, although photographs alone cannot confirm sex or verify that every pictured fish belongs to the same color form.
Giraffe Perch (Nimbochromis venustus) Care Guide

Difficult

Lake Malawi predatory haplochromine cichlid

Nimbochromis venustus is a large predatory haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, known in aquariums as the giraffe perch or giraffe cichlid. Juveniles are comparatively subdued, while adults develop blue facial tones and yellow, olive or gold body coloration with darker markings. The supplied listing describes two 4 cm fish as a pair, but sex cannot be confirmed reliably at that size. This species requires a spacious, rocky aquarium and carefully selected tank mates.