Cape Lopez Lyretail (Gold)

The Gold form of Aphyosemion australe is a selectively bred colour variant of the iconic Cape Lopez Lyretail from Gabon. Males display a rich golden-yellow body overlaid with vivid red-orange spots, and the flowing lyretail caudal fin is edged with red and white. Unlike the wild-type form, the Gold variant shows intensified yellow pigmentation throughout the body, making it one of the most visually striking colour forms in the genus.

As one of the most forgiving killifish for beginners, A. australe Gold thrives in a 40 L planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water. The species is non-annual and can live two to three years. It readily accepts high-quality flake food in addition to live and frozen invertebrates, and spawns on fine-leaved plants or a yarn mop.

This colour variant has been maintained in the hobby for decades and remains one of the most popular killifish worldwide. Its combination of stunning colouration, hardiness, and ease of breeding makes it an ideal first killifish for any level of keeper.

Water: 20–24 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft to moderately soft water (GH 3–10). Tank: 40 L species or community tank with plants, a spawning mop, and a tight lid. Feeding: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, and quality flake; feed daily. Breeding: Collect eggs from spawning mop weekly; incubate on damp peat for 2–3 weeks. Compatibility: Best kept with peaceful small fish; males may spar but rarely cause injury.