Lyretail Killifish

Aphyosemion australe

Lyretail Killifish is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBest kept as a pairBeginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 8 US gal (30 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
pH: 5.5–7
GH: 3–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 8 US gal (30 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–24 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 3–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Lyretail Killifish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet of small live or frozen foods; suitable dry foods may also be accepted.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 8 US gal (30 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a pair.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Gabon.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Bluefin Killifish Lucania goodei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 54–72°F (12–22°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Lyretail Killifish get?

Lyretail Killifish reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Lyretail Killifish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 8 US gal (30 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Lyretail Killifish peaceful?

Yes. Lyretail Killifish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Lyretail Killifish?

Keep it between 21 to 24 °C.

Should Lyretail Killifish be kept alone or in a group?

Lyretail Killifish: Best kept as a pair.