Cape Lopez Lyretail (Aphyosemion australe)

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Cape Lopez Lyretail

Aphyosemion australe gold.jpg
Cape Lopez Lyretail Gold

Aphyosemion australe

19 Litres (5 US G.)

5-6 cm (2-2.4")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.5 - 6.5

22 -25 °C (71.6-77°F)

5-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Nothobranchiidae



Additional names

Cape Lopez Lyretail, Lyretail Panchax, Lyretail Panchax Killifish

Additional scientific names

Haplochilus calliurus, Haplochilus calliurus var. australe, Panchax australe, Panchax polychromus, Fundulopanchax australe


Origin[edit]

West Africa. In shallow flooded area in the rainforest.


Sexing[edit]

Males are larger with more vibrant colours and longer finnage. The tail, back and anal fin taper to a point in the males, while the females have rounded fins.


Tank compatibility[edit]

This fish is best kept in trios male/2 females, and in a species tank, but will be peaceful to other similar sized peaceful community fish.


Diet[edit]

Will accept most foods including pellet and flake but prefers live/frozen foods such as bloodworm, tubifex and brine shrimp.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

This fish do best in acidic peat-filtered water with dense planting. A single pair can be kept in a relatively small species tank of around 5-6 US gallons. The need plenty of hiding places, preferably provided by planting and a dark substrate is best. Provide floating plants also.


Behaviour[edit]

Will cohabit well with other similar-sized fish and is generally peaceful as long as it's kept as a pair. The male of this species is not always friendly to one another.


Identification[edit]

A slender elongated fish with elaborate fins. The tips of the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins are elongated and pointed. The outer rays of the caudal fin form a 'lyre-tail' shape. The background body colouration of males is brownish-yellow to brownish orange with numerous red spots. The fins are orange with a broad yellow and red border and the tips of the fins are white. The females are brown in colour with a scattering of red spots. There are selective-bred variations now available.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]