Orange Lyretail Killifish
Common Name : Lyretail killifish
Scientific Name : Aphyosemion australe
Usual maximum size
in fish tanks (min-max) : 5 - 7 cm
pH of water : 5.5 - 7
Water hardness (dGH) : 2 - 10 °N
Water temperature : 24 - 27 °C ( 75.2 - 80.6 °F )
Fish compatibility : peaceful
Preferred place in fish tanks : Middle levels
How this species reproduces : Spawning
This species originates from : Africa
Food and Feeding :
Lyretail killifish are omnivores and as such should be given a diet consisting of live foods like brine shrimp, micro worms, and insect larvae. The diet should also include some flake or small pellet food.
Sexing :
Females tend to be a dull brown color with red spots but the males are much more colorful with a background of brownish-yellow to brownish – orange and longer flowing fins.
Breeding :
Lyretail killifish are normally one of the first killifish that keepers will attempt to breed as they are relatively easy to condition them to spawn. Their diet should consist of meaty foods like bloodworm to get them into condition, and the breeding tankshould contain spawning mops or fine leaved plants. Eggs will be laid over a period of 10-12 days and only a small amount will be laid at a time, normally 10-20 per batch. Once the eggs are laid, either remove the parents or transfer the eggs to a different tank prior to hatching. The fry should be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Short description :
For a killifish, the Aphyosemion australe species can live for quite a comparatively long length of time, anything up to 3 years if given the correct environment. Lyretail killifish are classed as easy to keep but regular, partial water changes are a must. They are a peaceful species and prefer to be kept in pairs.