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Lyretail Killifish

Lyretail Killifish

Breed InfoHabitatNutritionHealth

Origin

West Africa

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

22º-26ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2 - 3 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

Light yellow fish with red spots and yellow tail swims right against a light background
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

The Lyretail Killifish, Aphyosemion australe, is a small, brightly coloured freshwater fish with a graceful lyre-shaped tail. Many hobbyists love it because males are very showy (orange, gold, or sometimes blue) while females are plainer and calmer. It’s one of the easiest killifish for beginners and is kept by people who enjoy small, planted tanks.

Lyretail Killifish Origin

Native to West Africa (areas around Gabon and nearby coasts).

  1. It has been part of the aquarium hobby for over a century.

Temperament

  1. Peaceful and curious
  2. Best kept as pairs or small groups (one male with one or more females) rather than large shoals

Lyretail Killifish Compatibility

Good tankmates:

  1. Small, calm species that prefer similar soft, slightly acidic water:
  2. Rasboras
  3. Dwarf shrimp
  4. Tetras (neon, green, and ember)
  5. Smaller catfish varieties
  6. Rainbows & other peaceful fish

Avoid:

  1. Large or aggressive fish (cichlids, big barbs) that may nip fins or outcompete them

Lyretail Killifish Price in India

  1. In India, tank-bred common strains are often affordable
  2. Expect roughly ₹800–₹2,500 per pair, depending on strain and breeder
  3. Basic/garden strains are at the lower end; show or rare strains are higher

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Lyretail Killifish Habitat Requirements

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

22º -26ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 7.5

Lyretail Killifish Tank Type

  1. Freshwater (planted, low-flow setup)

Aquarium Size

  1. 20 liters (5 US gallons) for a single pair of Lyretail Killifish
  2. A long, shallow tank (wide footprint) is nice because they swim in the middle levels

Lyretail Killifish Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 20–26°C (72–81°F) — they tolerate a range but do best in the mid-20s
  2. pH: ~5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Aim near 6.0–6.8 for comfort
  3. Hardness: Soft water preferred (low GH); roughly 2–10°N (soft to moderately soft).

Environment Needs

  1. Provide lots of plants and gentle hiding spots (fine-leaved and floating):
  2. Java fern
  3. Java moss
  4. Driftwood
  5. Bogwood
  6. Floating plants help create dimmer light — Lyretail Killifish like some shade
  7. Peat-filtered or lightly stained “blackwater” style water is often appreciated by breeders

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Decor

Lyretail Killifish Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

Lyretail Killifish Diet Type

  1. Insectivore / carnivorous leaning (kills prefer high-protein foods)

Suitable Foods

Best:

  1. Live or frozen foods, such as:
  2. Mosquito Larvae
  3. Daphnia
  4. Fruit Flies
  5. Brine shrimp
  6. Paste Fish Foods
  7. Beef Heart
  8. Bloodworms
  9. Also accepts: high-quality flakes and micro-pellets as part of a varied diet.

Lyretail Killifish Feeding Frequency & Tips

  1. Feed small amounts once or twice daily — only what they eat in 1–2 minutes
  2. Give mostly protein-rich meals and occasional flakes/pellets for balance
  3. Rotate foods so Lyretail Killifish stay healthy and colorful
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Lyretail Killifish Health & Care

Common Health Issues

Fin rot

White spot / ick

Parasitic infections

Bacterial infections

Velvet

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

White growths

Lethargic behaviour

Like all small freshwater fish, Lyretail Killifish are relatively hardy within good water conditions, varied food, and minimized stress. They are susceptible to some common fish diseases that fishkeepers should know.

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Ich is a common disease causing small white spots to appear on the body and fins of fish. Infected fish may rub against objects or breathe quickly, and hide. Common treatment is to raise the temperature (if the species of fish allows this), add a recommended ich medication, and perform partial water changes. New fish should be quarantined. Prompt action and clean tank water assist recovery.

Fin rot / Cotton-wool (bacterial infections)

Fin rot begins as frayed or discolored fin edges and can progress if water quality is poor. Cotton-wool–type patches (often columnaris) appear fuzzy and may be bacterial. Treatment includes improving water quality, isolating infected fish, and medicating as appropriate with antibacterial medication (as per the product). Filtration, never overfeeding, and maintaining a low nitrate level will prevent most bacterial outbreaks.

Stress-related illness (from bad water or overcrowding)

Killifish are sensitive to sudden water changes, high nitrates, and rough tankmates. Stress shows as loss of color, hiding, refusal to eat, or erratic swimming. Fixing water parameters, regular small water changes, and ensuring gentle tankmates usually restore health. Always quarantine new additions for a few weeks to stop disease spread.

Lyretail Killifish General Health Tips

  1. Quarantine new fish for 2–3 weeks
  2. Do regular water tests and change 20–30% weekly or biweekly as needed
  3. Keep nitrate low and avoid overcrowding
  4. Feed varied, high-protein food and remove uneaten food
  5. Use sponge filters or gentle filters to keep the water calm and oxygenated

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Financial Capability

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of diet do Lyretail Killifish require?

Lyretail Killifish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality flakes, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter.

How often should Lyretail Killifish be fed? How often should Lyretail Killifish be fed?

Feed them small portions multiple times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes, to prevent overfeeding and maintain good water quality.

Can Lyretail Killifish live in a planted tank?

Yes, they appreciate a tank with plenty of plants for hiding and exploring. Live plants also help maintain water quality. .