Moderate
Hjersseni Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe)
21–24°C · pH 6–7
£8.99
Gold Australe Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) is a small, peaceful West African lyretail for mature planted aquariums with soft water, gentle flow and a secure lid. Each quantity is one unsexed fish.
Aphyosemion australe
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Gold Australe Killifish (Aphyosemion australe) is a small, peaceful West African lyretail for mature planted aquariums with soft water, gentle flow and a secure lid. Each quantity is one unsexed fish.
21–24°C · pH 6–7
20–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 1000L
Australe Lyretail Panchax, Aphyosemion australe, is a small West African killifish admired for its elegant lyre-shaped tail, calm surface-oriented behaviour and warm gold aquarium form. It is also sold as Gold Australe Killifish, Gold Lyretail Killifish and Cape Lopez Lyretail. A mature planted aquarium, soft to moderately soft water, gentle filtration and a secure lid bring out its best colour and behaviour.
This is a thoughtful choice for aquarists who enjoy quieter fish rather than a fast, boisterous community. Settled specimens hover among floating roots, inspect fine-leaved plants and display with controlled turns of the fins. They need reliable water quality and appropriately small foods, but they are among the more approachable Aphyosemion for a keeper ready to provide a covered, mature aquarium.
Sale-unit clarity: each quantity adds one unsexed fish. Sex, colour intensity and pair formation are not guaranteed. If you want to build a pair or trio, order the number of individual fish you can house comfortably and understand that the final sex ratio may vary. The live product selector beside this guide is the source of current price and availability.
| Scientific name | Aphyosemion australe (Rachow, 1921) |
|---|---|
| Common names | Australe Lyretail Panchax, Gold Australe Killifish, Gold Lyretail Killifish, Cape Lopez Lyretail |
| Family | Nothobranchiidae, the African rivuline killifishes |
| Adult size | Up to about 6 cm total length; supplier size is commonly around 3-4 cm and varies by shipment |
| Temperature | 21-24°C is a dependable maintenance range |
| pH and hardness | pH 6.0-7.0; soft to moderately soft water, approximately 5-12 dGH |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful and somewhat shy; males may display or defend small areas |
| Tank style | Mature, covered and well planted, with gentle flow and shaded surface cover |
| Diet | Small frozen and live foods, supported by fine high-quality prepared foods |
| Experience level | Suitable for a prepared beginner to killifish or an intermediate community keeper |
Aphyosemion australe is the accepted scientific name. Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes lists the species as valid in the family Nothobranchiidae, and FishBase uses Lyretail Panchax as its English common name. The species occurs in western-central African freshwater habitats, including Gabon and neighbouring parts of the region. Cape Lopez, a historic name strongly associated with the fish, is why Cape Lopez Lyretail remains common in aquarium language.
The word gold describes a long-established aquarium colour form, not a different species. FishBase records both gold and chocolate forms in the aquarium trade. The American Killifish Association also distinguishes the natural chocolate form from gold and orange strains developed in aquarium populations. This page is for the gold Australe form: a yellow to orange-bodied fish with red markings and pale-edged, extended fins, especially in mature males.
Several unrelated killifish share words such as panchax, lyretail or gold. Golden Wonder Panchax, Gardner's Killifish and annual Nothobranchius are not interchangeable with A. australe. Using the scientific name alongside the common name protects that identity and helps you compare like with like.
The four gallery images are an illustrative guide to the gold form, the lyre-shaped tail and a suitable planted-aquarium setting. They are not photographs of the exact individual that will be dispatched. Live fish vary naturally in sex, maturity, body tone, red spotting, fin extension and condition after transport.
The image containing two fish demonstrates how more than one Australe may look in a planted layout; it does not promise a male/female pair. Males usually develop stronger orange-gold colour and more extended fins. Females tend to be subtler and shorter-finned. Newly arrived fish can appear paler than settled adults, and colour often deepens once stress falls and feeding becomes regular.
A tank around 60 cm long is a sound practical baseline for a small Australe setup because it gives more stable water, a useful surface footprint and room for visual barriers. An experienced keeper may maintain a small number in a carefully managed smaller species aquarium, but litres alone do not make a tank suitable. A secure lid, mature filter, calm feeding area and stable chemistry matter just as much.
Plan the aquarium in layers. Keep an open lane at the front for observation and feeding. Build denser cover toward the back and sides with moss, fine stems, floating roots and wood. Floating plants diffuse harsh light and create the shaded upper zone that helps these fish feel secure. Leave enough clear surface for gas exchange, and keep floating plants away from the filter outlet if they block circulation.
| Area | Good choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lid | Tight cover glass or fitted lid with cable gaps closed | Prevents escape when a fish is startled or explores the surface |
| Filtration | Mature sponge filter or gently directed internal filter | Maintains biological stability without forcing the fish into strong current |
| Plants | Java moss, fine stems, floating plants and shaded edge cover | Provides security, display boundaries and possible spawning sites |
| Hardscape | Bogwood, roots and smooth natural materials | Creates sight breaks and a darker backdrop for the gold colour |
| Substrate | Dark sand or fine rounded gravel | Reduces glare and supports a calm visual environment |
| Lighting | Moderate plant lighting softened by surface cover | Supports growth while limiting exposed, stressful brightness |
Avoid sharp ornaments and open gaps behind equipment. Check the lid every time the filter, heater or airline is moved. A small opening that looks harmless to a person can be large enough for a startled killifish. If you need help estimating a suitable setup, use the aquarium care planner and then assess the actual footprint and swimming space, not only the headline volume.
FishBase reports pH 6.0-7.0, hardness around 5-12 dGH and 21-24°C for A. australe. These are sensible targets for long-term maintenance. The species is better suited to soft, slightly acidic or neutral water than very hard, strongly alkaline conditions. It is also better kept in the cooler part of the tropical range than at the high temperatures used for some other aquarium fish.
Stability is more important than repeatedly adjusting water with quick chemical fixes. Test your source water before choosing the fish. If tap water is very hard, a consistent blend with correctly remineralised reverse-osmosis water may be useful, but only when you can reproduce the same mix at every water change. Our water matcher can help compare your readings with the target range.
| Temperature | 21-24°C; avoid sustained overheating |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0-7.0, kept stable |
| General hardness | Approximately 5-12 dGH |
| Ammonia | 0 mg/L |
| Nitrite | 0 mg/L |
| Nitrate | Keep low through stocking restraint, plants and regular maintenance |
| Flow | Low to moderate, with sheltered surface areas |
| Water changes | Small and regular, using temperature- and chemistry-matched water |
Do not add an Australe to an uncycled aquarium. A clear tank can still be biologically immature. Confirm that the filter can process waste and that temperature and chemistry remain stable across several days. A mature setup with plants and established biofilm gives a small fish a far better margin of safety.
FishBase records worms, crustaceans and insects in the natural diet. In an aquarium, that points toward small animal-based foods. Frozen daphnia, cyclops, Artemia, mosquito larvae and carefully sized bloodworm can all be useful. Settled fish may also take quality micro-granules or fine flakes, but a varied menu of suitably small foods generally produces better condition and feeding behaviour than dry food alone.
Feed modest portions once or twice a day according to tank maturity, temperature and body condition. Food should be small enough to swallow without repeated struggling. Remove persistent leftovers because quiet planted aquariums can collect waste around moss and roots. If fish are housed in a community, spread food across more than one point and check that every individual eats.
| Food | Use | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen daphnia or cyclops | Regular variety and natural picking behaviour | Thaw a small portion; do not add excess liquid or uneaten food |
| Baby brine shrimp | Conditioning adults and feeding larger juveniles | Rinse if needed and feed only what is eaten promptly |
| Small mosquito larvae | Occasional enrichment for established fish | Choose a clean, aquarium-safe source |
| Fine prepared foods | Convenient dietary support | Confirm each fish recognises and swallows the food |
| Large or hard pellets | Generally unsuitable as a main food | May be ignored, spat out or stolen by larger tank mates |
Colour is not produced by one special ingredient. Genetics set the base colour, while clean water, low stress, good nutrition and maturity allow it to show. A new arrival may look subdued for several days. Judge progress through breathing, appetite, body condition and normal exploration before judging intensity of colour.
Australe Lyretails are generally peaceful, but peaceful does not mean they can be mixed with anything. They may be shy beside larger fish and can lose meals to fast surface feeders. Males may display toward one another or briefly defend favoured cover. A planted tank with several sight breaks helps keep that behaviour controlled.
Choose companions that share the same moderate temperature and soft-water direction. Small, calm rasboras, gentle tetras and some peaceful bottom dwellers can work when the aquarium is large enough and feeding is supervised. Pencilfish are often a more natural behavioural match than fast danios. Dwarf shrimp adults may coexist in a heavily planted tank, but tiny shrimplets can be eaten because this is a micro-predatory fish.
Avoid large cichlids, fin nippers, vigorous barbs, predatory fish and any species that repeatedly chases the Australes away from food or surface cover. Also avoid combining multiple similar killifish strains if breeding is intended. Hybridisation or uncertain parentage can damage the value of carefully maintained aquarium lines.
| Companion | Suitability | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Small quiet rasboras | Often suitable | Matching water, adequate room and calm feeding |
| Pencilfish | Often suitable | Covered planted tank with enough upper-level space |
| Gentle small tetras | Possible | Avoid known fin nippers and very fast feeders |
| Small Corydoras-type catfish | Possible | Temperature and water requirements must overlap |
| Adult dwarf shrimp | Possible with caution | Dense cover; expect some predation on very small young |
| Other male killifish | Specialist planning needed | Use space, cover and careful strain management |
| Large, aggressive or nippy fish | Unsuitable | Risk of stress, injury and feeding failure |
The tank-mate tool can help narrow options, but observe the real fish. Compatibility depends on aquarium dimensions, sex ratio, individual behaviour, feeding and cover as well as species names.
Because each selected quantity is one unsexed fish, plan around the number of animals rather than assuming a ready-made pair. One fish can be maintained as a display animal in an appropriate community. Several can show more social and display behaviour, but the aquarium must provide more space and visual barriers. Ordering two does not guarantee one male and one female.
If you later identify a male and female, a pair can work in a well-planted aquarium. One male with two females is another commonly used arrangement, provided both females can feed and rest without constant attention. A group needs a larger footprint, dense cover and daily observation. Do not force a ratio that the aquarium cannot support simply because it is traditional in breeding discussions.
Watch for a fish being pinned near the substrate, excluded from food or kept permanently out of cover. Brief fin displays and short chases can be normal; persistent pursuit, torn fins or weight loss are not. Rearrange sight breaks or separate fish before low-level pressure becomes a health problem.
Mature males usually show stronger gold to orange colour, more red markings and longer dorsal, anal and caudal extensions. Females are generally less ornate and may look smaller or greyer. Juveniles and stressed arrivals can be difficult to sex reliably, so outward appearance at dispatch cannot always provide certainty.
A settled male may hold position near plants, turn side-on and flare his fins. This controlled display is one of the attractions of the species. Distress looks different: clamped fins, repeated jumping, heavy breathing, constant hiding, refusal of food or being held in a corner by another fish. Treat those signs as a prompt to check water, cover and social pressure.
Aphyosemion australe is usually treated in aquarium practice as a non-annual plant or mop spawner. Unlike obligate annual killifish that depend on a dry resting period, Australe eggs can develop while kept in water. The American Killifish Association describes spawning in floating or submerged plants and mops, with water incubation and small live foods for fry.
For a controlled attempt, use a separate covered aquarium with mature gentle filtration, soft stable water, subdued light and generous spawning material. Condition confirmed adults on varied small live and frozen foods. Inspect mops or fine plants carefully rather than repeatedly disturbing the fish. Eggs may be moved to clean water for observation, or a densely planted permanent setup may produce occasional fry.
| Spawning style | Plant or mop spawner; eggs are deposited individually |
|---|---|
| Spawning material | Floating or sinking mops, moss and fine-leaved plants |
| Filtration | Mature air-driven sponge filter with low current |
| Water | Clean, soft, slightly acidic to neutral and stable |
| Adult conditioning | Varied small live and frozen foods |
| First foods | Infusoria-sized foods where needed, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp and microworms |
| Main risks | Poor egg hygiene, unsuitable first food, unstable rearing water and predation |
Do not breed fish of uncertain identity together, and do not mix gold, chocolate or locality-labelled strains without understanding the consequence. Accurate strain records matter to killifish keepers. Breeding should begin only after the adults are healthy, feeding well and settled.
Prepare the aquarium before ordering: cycle it fully, test the water, close every lid gap and have small frozen food ready. On delivery day, keep the room calm and the aquarium lights low. Follow the current instructions included with the order and use the acclimation timer as a practical prompt rather than leaving the fish in transport water longer than necessary.
After release, allow the fish to orient itself. Avoid chasing it for photographs, moving decor or immediately introducing a busy feeding session. Offer a small food once breathing and swimming look settled. A fish may ignore the first meal after transport; continued refusal, heavy breathing or loss of balance deserves closer attention.
Quarantine is strongly recommended. A quiet observation tank makes feeding, faeces, breathing and skin condition easier to assess and protects an established community. Match quarantine water to the intended aquarium and provide a secure lid and simple cover. Bare, brightly lit quarantine tanks can make a shy fish look worse than it is.
| Observe | Reassuring sign | Reason to investigate |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing | Steady gill movement that settles after arrival | Persistent gasping, one-sided movement or surface distress |
| Posture | Level swimming and controlled hovering | Rolling, sinking, severe head-up or head-down posture |
| Fins | Gradually opening as confidence returns | Persistent clamping, fraying or rapid damage |
| Feeding | Interest in suitably small foods within the settling period | Ongoing refusal combined with thinness or lethargy |
| Social position | Uses cover but returns to feed and explore | Permanent hiding caused by chasing or competition |
The most common husbandry problems are preventable: uncovered tanks, strong flow, high temperature, unstable chemistry, poor feeding access and unsuitable tank mates. Start with environment before reaching for medication. Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and temperature; review recent water changes; watch who gets the food; and check the fish from the side and above for weight loss.
Fin damage can follow nipping, repeated collisions with a lid or decor, or declining water quality. Remove the cause and improve conditions. If infection or parasites are suspected, use a separate treatment aquarium and choose medication carefully for a small soft-water fish. Do not combine medicines or use salt routinely without understanding the diagnosis and dose.
A thin body behind the head often means the fish is not eating enough even if food enters the aquarium. Offer smaller foods at several points and reduce competition. A fish that hides in bright light may begin feeding normally once floating cover is added. Behaviour is useful evidence when it is read together with water tests and body condition.
| Fish or group | Main difference | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Australe Killifish | Small, elegant, soft-water, plant-spawning Aphyosemion | You want a calm planted display and can provide a secure lid |
| Amiet's Lyretail Killifish | A different lyretail species with its own identity and care details | You are comparing specialist lyretails rather than colour forms of one fish |
| Hjerseni Lyretail Panchax | Another trade-labelled Australe line that needs careful identity comparison | You want to compare listed strains without assuming they are interchangeable |
| Gardner's Killifish | A more robust Fundulopanchax with different colour and behaviour | You prefer a bolder killifish and can match its individual care needs |
| Annual killifish | Many use a dry egg-resting phase and have a different life-history strategy | You specifically want the annual breeding cycle and understand egg incubation |
Browse the killifish collection for available species or read the broader UK killifish guide before comparing names. The best choice is the fish whose adult size, water, behaviour and feeding needs fit the aquarium you already have or are genuinely prepared to build.
Daily care should be calm and observational. Before feeding, look at each fish's posture, breathing and position in the aquarium. A confident Australe may spend time among floating roots, move into an open feeding lane and then return to cover. Count the fish without tapping the glass or moving plants. Check the floor around the aquarium and the inside of the lid if an individual is unexpectedly missing.
Offer a small meal and watch it being eaten. This is the easiest time to notice a shy individual, a developing social problem or food that is too large. Remove obvious leftovers and check that the filter flow has not changed. A blocked sponge, displaced outlet or mat of floating plants can alter circulation more than expected in a compact aquarium.
Once or twice each week, test the parameters that are most likely to drift in your setup. Temperature should be checked independently rather than relying only on the heater dial. Nitrate and pH trends are more informative when written down over time. If the tank uses a blend of tap and reverse-osmosis water, measure the replacement water before it enters the aquarium.
Carry out regular partial water changes with closely matched water. Siphon exposed waste without stripping every surface clean; mature plants, wood and filter media support the biological stability these fish need. Rinse filter sponges only when flow falls, using removed aquarium water rather than untreated hot tap water. Never replace all biological media at once.
Monthly checks should include the lid, cables, airline, filter attachments and heater guard. Trim plants to preserve both cover and an open feeding area. Review body condition from clear side-view photographs taken without chasing the fish. Slow change is easier to recognise when compared with a calm earlier image.
| Frequency | Useful checks | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Count fish, observe breathing, watch feeding, confirm lid and temperature | Overfeeding or disturbing cover to force fish into view |
| Weekly | Test water trends, change a measured portion, remove trapped waste | Large chemistry swings or cleaning every surface at once |
| As needed | Rinse filter sponge in removed tank water and restore gentle flow | Replacing mature media because it looks discoloured |
| Monthly | Inspect lid gaps and equipment, trim plants, compare body condition | Letting floating plants block all surface circulation |
| Myth | What is more accurate |
|---|---|
| Every listing with two fish is a guaranteed pair | Sale units differ. On this product, each quantity is one unsexed fish, and the two-fish image is illustrative. |
| All killifish are short-lived annual species | Killifish have varied life histories. A. australe is kept as a non-annual plant or mop spawner and does not require an obligate dry egg phase. |
| A tiny fish is safe in any tiny aquarium | Small body size does not remove the need for stable water, swimming footprint, social space and a secure lid. |
| Bright light makes the gold colour stronger | Harsh exposed light often increases hiding. Mature plants, subdued areas, good nutrition and low stress reveal colour more reliably. |
| A peaceful fish cannot be territorial | Males may display and defend small areas while remaining generally peaceful. Cover and sight breaks still matter. |
| Any food labelled tropical is suitable | Food must be small enough, nutritionally appropriate and actually eaten. Variety and observation are more useful than the label alone. |
| One perfect pH number guarantees success | Stable, clean water within a sensible range is safer than repeated rapid correction toward a decimal target. |
These distinctions matter because an attractive common name can hide practical differences in sale unit, life history and care. The safest purchase decision uses the product controls for current commercial details, this guide for husbandry, and direct observation for the needs of the individual fish.
Current price, quantity choices and availability are shown by the live product controls. For a first order, the active code WELCOME10 gives 10% off eligible first purchases. Apply the code at checkout and review the order total before payment.
Live fish travel on the livestock service described in our UK delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee guide. Someone must be available for the confirmed delivery window, and the receiving aquarium should be ready in advance. The separate returns and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains same-day reporting and the evidence that helps us resolve a problem quickly.
Availability changes with live stock. This care guide intentionally avoids a fixed stock statement or price because those can become wrong between catalogue updates. The product selector and checkout provide the current commercial information, while this guide remains useful for planning.
| Question | A good match looks like |
|---|---|
| Is the aquarium mature? | Ammonia and nitrite are zero, temperature is stable and the filter is established |
| Can you cover every gap? | The lid closes around cables, pipes and feeding openings |
| Does your water fit? | Soft to moderately soft, pH 6.0-7.0 and around 21-24°C |
| Is the tank calm enough? | Gentle flow, floating cover and no large or nippy companions |
| Can you feed appropriately? | Small frozen or live foods plus suitable fine prepared foods are available |
| Do you understand the sale unit? | Each quantity is one unsexed fish; sex ratio and pair formation are not guaranteed |
| Are you ready for arrival? | The tank is prepared, someone can receive the parcel and quarantine is available |
Choose this fish if you want a small, graceful killifish for a planted soft-water aquarium and enjoy close observation of feeding and display. Choose another species if the tank is hard and alkaline, very warm, uncovered, dominated by fast feeders or too new to offer stable water. Matching the fish to the aquarium is more important than buying on colour alone.
No. Each quantity is one unsexed fish. Ordering two does not guarantee one male and one female, and pair formation is not promised.
FishBase reports a maximum of about 6 cm total length. Supplier size is commonly around 3-4 cm, but live size varies by age and shipment.
A stable 21-24°C is a dependable long-term range. Avoid sustained high temperatures and sudden changes.
Aim for pH 6.0-7.0 in soft to moderately soft water. Stability is more important than chasing an exact decimal with quick additives.
Yes. Use a tight lid and close gaps around cables and pipework because killifish can jump when startled or exploring.
Yes, in a calm, mature community with small peaceful fish that share its water and temperature needs. Avoid nippy, large or very fast-feeding companions.
Offer small frozen and live foods such as daphnia, cyclops and Artemia, supported by fine quality prepared foods that each fish demonstrably accepts.
No. Gold describes an aquarium colour form of Aphyosemion australe. The chocolate form is closer to the natural colour, while gold and orange strains were developed in aquarium populations.
It is generally maintained as a non-annual plant or mop spawner. Its eggs can develop in water and do not depend on the obligate dry resting period associated with many annual species.
Mature males usually show brighter gold-orange colour and longer fins. Females are generally subtler and shorter-finned, but juveniles and stressed arrivals may be difficult to sex.
It is possible in a larger, densely planted aquarium with strong sight breaks, but males can display and compete. Have a separation plan if one fish is persistently excluded.
Adult dwarf shrimp may coexist in a planted tank, but very small shrimplets can be eaten. Do not choose this fish if preserving every shrimp baby is essential.
A tank around 60 cm long is a practical baseline for a small setup. Footprint, lid security, maturity, cover and water stability are as important as litres.
Transport, bright light and unfamiliar surroundings can temporarily suppress colour. Check breathing and condition, provide cover and allow quiet settling time.
Confirmed adults spawn among fine plants or mops. Eggs can be water-incubated, and fry need very small first foods followed by newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms.
No. They are illustrative views of the gold form and suitable aquarium context. The dispatched live fish will vary in sex, age, colour, markings and fin development.
Very hard alkaline water is not the best match. Test it first. If adjustment is needed, use a consistent method rather than sudden chemical correction.
Cycle and test the aquarium, secure the lid, reduce strong flow, have small food ready, plan quarantine and make sure someone can receive the parcel.
Yes. WELCOME10 gives 10% off eligible first orders. Apply it at checkout and confirm the final total before payment.
Yes. Read the current Live Arrival Guarantee and delivery terms before ordering, and report any arrival concern on the delivery day with the requested evidence.
The identity and core care ranges on this page were checked against Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes, the FishBase species summary and the American Killifish Association beginner guide. Aquarium conditions always interact, so use these ranges as an evidence-led starting point and observe the fish in front of you.
For wider husbandry support, visit our freshwater care guides, review tropical fish temperature planning, or read how to prepare for buying tropical fish online in the UK. These resources complement the species-specific details above without replacing live water tests and daily observation.
