Aphyosemion Australe Gold belong to the genus of Killifish. It is also know as Lyretail Killi or Lyrtail Panchax or Cape Lopez Lyretail. It originates from Gabon, namely from Cape Lopez.

Get your Aphyosemion Australe Gold Eggs here:

They come in different colors like chocolate, gold and orange. Their size can reach up to 6 cm whereas females are a bit smaller. They are a perfect fit for nano fish tanks, a trio can be kept in a 30 litre tank.

It is said to be a beginners fish which is true as they are easy to keep and easy to breed. They spawn in almost every water, but prefer soft water at around 200 to 500 microsiemes. They spawn in aquatic moss but also take a woolen mop as spawning oportunity. If they spawn in the tank only very few survive but enough to keep the population steady. If you like to give young fish away, you need to do the spawning mop method, collect the eggs daily and raise them in a seperate container. Temperature should range between 22 and 26 degrees, which is also there prefered spawning temperature.

They can be kept in a community tank with fish of similar size and are quite peaceful. If kept with other species a minimum of 60 litre fish tank is required. You can feed them flakes, frozen food or live food, of course they prefer live food. They are not shy at all and come to the front screen when they expect to be fed. Although they are not jumpers, just to be safe – I would keep them with a cover to avoid a disaster.

If you want to get into the hobby this species is perfect to begin with. You can try to get the fish in your local Pet Shop or order eggs from here or from Aquabid.

Aphyosemion australe, commonly known as the Cape Lopez killifish or the Lyretail panchax, is a captivating and popular species of killifish among aquarium enthusiasts. These small, vibrant fish are native to Western Central Africa, specifically the coastal regions of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Aphyosemion australe is prized for its striking colors, distinctive fin shapes, and relatively manageable care requirements, making it a sought-after choice for both novice and experienced aquarists looking to create visually stunning aquatic displays.

Physical Characteristics and Stunning Colors

Aphyosemion australe boasts a remarkable array of colors and patterns that set it apart from many other aquarium fish. The males, in particular, exhibit a stunning palette of hues, including fiery reds, vibrant blues, and shimmering yellows. These colors are often complemented by intricate patterns that vary between individual specimens. One of the most distinctive features of male Aphyosemion australe is their dorsal fin, which takes on an elegant lyre or lyretail shape. This fin, combined with their vibrant colors, makes them truly captivating to observe.

Females, on the other hand, are generally less colorful than males, displaying a more subdued appearance with less extravagant fin shapes. This sexual dimorphism is a common characteristic in many species of killifish and is a key feature of Aphyosemion australe’s natural behavior and reproduction.

Social Behavior and Interactions

Aphyosemion australe are known for their intriguing social dynamics within the aquarium. While they are relatively small in size, their personalities and behaviors make them a fascinating addition to any community tank. These fish are generally peaceful but can display territorial behaviors, especially among males. Male Aphyosemion australe often establish small territories within the aquarium and engage in displays of dominance.

Interestingly, these territorial displays rarely escalate into harmful confrontations. Instead, they typically involve posturing, fin displays, and color changes, which serve as a means for males to establish hierarchy and attract females for courtship. Observing these interactions adds a layer of complexity and interest to the aquarium environment.

Habitat Requirements and Water Quality

To ensure the well-being of Aphyosemion australe in captivity, it’s essential to replicate their natural habitat conditions as closely as possible. These fish originate from shallow, slow-moving waters in Western Central Africa, typically found in rainforest areas. Therefore, the key elements of their habitat requirements include:

• Water Temperature: Aphyosemion australe thrive in slightly warmer water temperatures, typically ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Water Quality: Water quality is of paramount importance. Maintain clean, well-filtered water with low levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Regular water changes are necessary to keep conditions optimal.
• Aquarium Setup: Providing a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and floating plants mimics their natural environment. Driftwood and rocks can be used for decoration and as potential territorial boundaries.
• Substrate: A fine substrate, such as sand or small gravel, is suitable for Aphyosemion australe. They may dig into the substrate occasionally, so avoid using sharp or abrasive materials.
• Lighting: Consider providing subdued lighting to replicate the dappled, shaded conditions of their native habitats. This helps reduce stress and provides a more natural environment.

Dietary Preferences and Nutrition

Aphyosemion australe are carnivorous fish with specific dietary preferences. To promote their health and vibrancy, it’s essential to provide a varied diet that includes live and frozen foods, as well as high-quality dry pellets. Suitable food options for Aphyosemion australe include:

• Live Foods: Offer live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and small aquatic insects. These mimic their natural diet and stimulate their predatory instincts.
• Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with frozen foods like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and daphnia. These foods are readily available in most aquarium stores.
• Dry Pellets: High-quality, species-specific dry pellets can also be part of their diet. Ensure the pellets are appropriately sized for their mouths.

Feeding Aphyosemion australe a varied diet ensures they receive essential nutrients and helps maintain their overall health and coloration.

Size and Tank Recommendations

Aphyosemion australe are small fish, with adults typically reaching lengths of 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 2.75 inches). Due to their small size, they are well-suited for smaller aquariums, although larger tanks provide more swimming space and allow for a greater number of individuals to be kept together. A recommended tank size for a small group of Aphyosemion australe is a 10 to 20-gallon aquarium (approximately 38 to 76 liters).

Breeding Aphyosemion Australe

Breeding Aphyosemion australe in captivity is an exciting endeavor for aquarists interested in observing their unique reproductive behavior. Like many other killifish species, Aphyosemion australe exhibit annual killifish characteristics, which means they have a relatively short lifespan and a distinct breeding strategy.

Here’s an overview of their breeding process:

1. Conditioning: Before breeding, it’s advisable to condition both male and female Aphyosemion australe by feeding them a high-quality diet rich in protein and live foods. This prepares their bodies for the upcoming breeding process.
2. Setting Up a Breeding Tank: To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank or section within the main aquarium. The breeding tank should have appropriate water parameters and ample hiding places, such as plants and spawning mops.
3. Courtship and Spawning: Males will perform courtship displays to attract females. These displays involve showing off their vibrant colors and unique fin shapes. Once a female is receptive, the male initiates spawning by leading her to a chosen site, often near a plant or spawning mop.
4. Egg Collection: After spawning, the female lays eggs, which adhere to the substrate or other surfaces. Collect the eggs promptly to prevent predation by adult fish.
5. Incubation: Place the collected eggs in a separate container with water from the breeding tank. Aphyosemion australe eggs have a characteristic embryonic resting phase, during which they can be stored until conditions are favorable for hatching. This resting phase may last several weeks or even months, depending on environmental conditions.
6. Hatching: When conditions are suitable, usually with an increase in temperature and the introduction of water, the eggs hatch, giving rise to tiny fry. The fry can be fed microorganisms, such as infusoria, and gradually transitioned to larger live foods as they grow.

Conclusion

In summary, Aphyosemion australe is a captivating and sought-after species of killifish, prized for its stunning colors, unique fin shapes, and interesting social behaviors. Their relatively small size makes them suitable for various aquarium setups, and their annual killifish characteristics add a layer of intrigue to their care, particularly for breeders. By providing a well-maintained aquarium, offering a varied diet, and understanding their specific breeding requirements, aquarists can enjoy the beauty and