Cape Lopez Lyretail (Chocolate)

The Chocolate form of Aphyosemion australe is a selectively developed colour variant of the Cape Lopez Lyretail, emphasising warm brown and russet tones over the blue-green iridescence of the wild-type male. The body is a rich chocolate-brown overlaid with vivid red spots and streaking, while the flowing lyretail extensions retain their characteristic multicoloured banding. Females are plainer but share the warm brown base colouration.

Care requirements are identical to the standard A. australe: a 40 L planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water, a spawning mop for egg collection, and a diet of live and frozen invertebrates supplemented with quality flake food. The species is non-annual and can live two to three years with good care. Eggs incubated on damp peat hatch within two to three weeks.

The Chocolate form is highly regarded for its rich, jewel-like colouration that differs markedly from the typical blue-green killifish palette. It represents an excellent choice for keepers seeking something visually distinctive in their aquarium.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft water (GH 3–10) preferred. Tank: 40 L planted species or community tank with spawning mop; secure lid essential. Feeding: Live Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, frozen invertebrates, and quality flake daily. Breeding: Remove egg-filled mop weekly; hatch eggs on damp peat in 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful; compatible with small tetras, rasboras, and other calm community fish.