Gold Lyretail Killifish

Gold Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) is the Gold color form combined with the lyretail fin mutation — the caudal fin develops extended upper and lower rays that trail gracefully, creating the lyre shape. The golden body with red spots and flowing lyretail makes this one of the most elegant killifish in the hobby. Aphyosemion australe is one of the most popular and accessible killifish in the hobby — colorful, manageable, and genuinely rewarding. As a non-annual species it lives considerably longer than the dramatic but short-lived Nothobranchius, making it an excellent introduction to killifish keeping.

Feeding & Care Tip: Killifish are carnivores that thrive on a varied diet of frozen and freeze-dried foods. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Frozen Daphnia form the core diet — offer variety rather than relying on a single food. Hikari Micro Pellets are accepted by most killifish as a dry staple. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Varied feeding is especially important for annual species given their compressed lifespan.

Native to slow-moving streams, swamps, and pools of coastal West Africa — Cameroon, Gabon, and surrounding areas. Inhabits heavily vegetated, shaded water with soft, slightly acidic conditions. Aphyosemion australe is a non-annual killifish — it lives in permanent water bodies and breeds in the standard fashion without requiring a dry period for eggs. Lifespan of 2–3 years in good conditions.

Keep one male with two or more females. Males are territorial with each other in small spaces but can be kept in groups in larger, well-planted aquariums. Peaceful with most small, peaceful community fish. Dense planting and floating plants are appreciated.

Breeding is straightforward compared to annual killifish — eggs are deposited on plants, spawning mops, or fine substrate and receive no parental care. Remove eggs or fry to a separate container to prevent predation. No dry period is required — eggs can be incubated in water. Lyretail forms require clean water and gentle filtration to maintain fin integrity — strong currents damage the extended rays.

Care & Ideal Parameters