琴尾旗鮰 · Golden Lyretail

Overview

Aphyosemion australe, the Cape Lopez or golden lyretail, is an approachable nonannual killifish. Males have vivid colors and extended lyre-shaped tails. A lifespan beyond three years is not unusual in captivity, and ornamental strains are generally adaptable.

Distribution & habitat

Its native range follows lowland coastal areas of Gabon and the neighboring Republic of the Congo. The type locality lies near Cape Lopez at the mouth of the Ogooué. It occupies permanent swamps and small streams rather than depending on temporary pools that dry each year.

Aquarium setup

A pair or a trio can use an aquarium with a footprint of about 45 × 25 cm or more. Dark substrate provides a useful background, while floating vegetation softens overhead light. These fish jump readily, so the lid must fit securely without accessible gaps.

Diet & feeding

Small live and frozen foods, including Daphnia and bloodworms, are favored. Most available fish are captive-bred and also accept quality flakes. A varied menu supports condition.

Behaviour & compatibility

Its peaceful, rather shy nature makes it vulnerable to being outcompeted by more vigorous fishes. Carefully chosen small tetras, rasboras, appropriate dwarf cichlids, and small peaceful catfishes can work. The lyretails must still have sheltered space and reliable access to food.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger and more colorful, with extended dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Females are smaller, plainer, and rounder through the abdomen.

Breeding

Spawning is relatively easy. Eggs can be placed among vegetation or in bottom material, so fine plants, spawning mops, or a layer of peat moss can serve as the medium. Without a bottom spawning medium, a bare base simplifies cleaning and egg collection. Gentle sponge filtration prevents stagnation. Soft, acidic water around pH 6.0–6.5 and 21–24 °C under very subdued light is suitable.

Condition the sexes on varied live and frozen food. Keeping them apart between attempts gives females time to recover. Select a well-conditioned pair; trios also spawn, but the uninvolved fish may eat eggs and reduce the harvest. Approximately 10–20 eggs can be collected per day. Return the parents to separate conditioning quarters after about a week rather than exhausting the female through prolonged spawning.

Eggs can remain with the adults, although some may be eaten. For larger broods, remove them gently and incubate either in shallow water or on damp peat moss in a small container. Keep both methods dark and remove moldy eggs promptly. Water-incubated eggs generally hatch in 10–20 days depending on temperature. With damp incubation, adding water after roughly 18 days can stimulate hatching. Label containers with species, dates, and egg counts when handling several batches.

Free-swimming fry can take newly hatched Artemia immediately. Small additions of green water before hatching can help establish supplementary microscopic food. Feed twice daily and make small water changes every two or three days. Fry require careful water-quality management and are susceptible to velvet disease.

Notes

Wild forms are commonly maintained with collection locality and year attached to preserve bloodlines. Orange, gold, chocolate, and albino ornamental strains also occur. Retain accurate identification when obtaining or breeding different lines.