Aphyosemion australe (Kap Lopez)
 
Aphyosemion australe
Common names: Lyretail Killifish, Cape Lopez Lyretail, Kap Lopez Killifish
 
Overview
Aphyosemion australe is one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly killifish species. Originating from the coastal regions of Gabon and Congo, the Kap Lopez lyretail is known for its striking colors, calm temperament, and elegant lyre-shaped caudal fin.
There are two well-known colour forms:
Orange (Gold) – bright orange body with red spotting
Chocolate – deep brown/bronze with red or orange markings
Peaceful, hardy, and small, they are excellent for planted tanks and species nano setups.
 
Distribution
West Africa: Gabon & Republic of Congo
Swampy areas, slow-moving streams, and shallow forest pools
Soft, acidic, tannin-rich waters
 
Size
5–6 cm (males slightly larger)
 
Lifespan
3–5 years in aquaria
Wild lifespan is shorter due to ephemeral habitat cycles
 
Appearance
Long lyre-shaped tail
Vibrant body coloration (orange or chocolate)
Red speckling and streaking
Males: more colourful, longer fins
Females: smaller, rounder, less colourful
 
Behaviour & Temperament
Peaceful, shy
Prefer quiet tanks
Best kept as pairs or trios (1 male 2 females)
Excellent top–mid swimmers
Jumpers—tank must be tightly covered
 
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size
20–40 L for a pair or trio
Larger planted tanks also work well
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 20–24°C (cooler than most tropicals)
pH: 5.5–7.0
GH: 1–8 dGH
Prefer soft, acidic water with tannins
 
Substrate & Décor
Dark sand
Dense planting (Java fern, Anubias, mosses, floating plants)
Leaf litter & driftwood
Quiet, shaded areas
 
Filtration & Flow
Gentle sponge filter preferred
Avoid strong flow
Clean, stable water is important
 
Diet
Micro-predator; prefers smaller foods:
Live foods (daphnia, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp)
Frozen versions of the above
High-quality micro-pellets
Flake can be accepted but not ideal
Feed small frequent meals.
 
Tankmates
Suitable with:
Peaceful nano fish (ember tetras, green neons, pencilfish)
Small rasboras
Otocinclus
Shrimp (larger species)
Other small, gentle killifish (if space allows)
Avoid:
Boisterous fish
Fin-nippers
Larger or aggressive species
Fast or greedy feeders that outcompete them
Best kept species-only for behaviour and breeding.
 
Breeding
Aphyosemion australe is among the easiest killifish to breed.
Method
Spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
Pair or trio spawning
Eggs are adhesive
Parents often ignore eggs but removal increases yield
 
Incubation
Eggs hatch in 10–20 days depending on temperature
No annual dry-storage required (non-annual killifish)
 
Fry Care
Infusoria / microworms for first days
Baby brine shrimp after 4–5 days
Slow-growing but hardy
 
Care Level
Easy–Moderate
Main challenges:
Sensitive to strong flow
Require a fully covered tank
Prefer cool, soft water