Aphyosemion Australe Gold (pair) 2-4cm

Description

Golden Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe "Gold")

The Golden Lyretail Killifish is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly killifish in the aquarium hobby. With its brilliant golden-yellow body, flowing lyretail fins and peaceful nature, this stunning West African species makes an elegant centrepiece for planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Aphyosemion australe "Gold"
  • Common name: Golden Lyretail Killifish
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy to Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Pairs or one male with multiple females

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful feature fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You're looking for one of the easiest killifish to keep.
  • You enjoy peaceful, slow-moving species.
  • You're interested in breeding non-annual killifish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
  • Your aquarium has strong water flow.
  • You don't have a secure aquarium lid.
  • You keep large predatory fish.

Why choose Golden Lyretail Killifish?

The Golden Lyretail Killifish is a selectively bred golden colour form of Aphyosemion australe, renowned for its glowing yellow-gold body and beautifully extended lyre-shaped tail. Mature males develop flowing dorsal, anal and caudal fins that shimmer under aquarium lighting, while females display a softer champagne-gold appearance.

Native to the slow-moving rainforest streams of Gabon and neighbouring regions, this peaceful species thrives in heavily planted aquariums with floating plants, subdued lighting and gentle water movement. Their calm temperament makes them one of the few killifish suitable for carefully planned community aquariums.

Unlike annual killifish, Golden Lyretails are non-annual spawners that lay adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants and spawning mops, making them an excellent introduction to breeding killifish.

Benefits

  • Brilliant golden-yellow colouration
  • Elegant lyretail finnage
  • One of the easiest killifish to keep
  • Peaceful and suitable for planted aquariums
  • Excellent for breeding projects
  • Ideal introduction to non-annual killifish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 20–25Β°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
  • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
  • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with floating plants, driftwood and shaded areas
  • Lid: A tightly fitting lid is essential, as killifish are excellent jumpers.
  • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain pristine water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Pygmy Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Small Rasboras
  • Peaceful Tetras
  • Cherry Shrimp (with adequate cover)
NTA Insight:
The Golden Lyretail is often considered the perfect first killifish because it combines spectacular colour with relatively straightforward care. A dark substrate, floating plants and a varied diet rich in frozen and live foods will bring out the deepest golden tones and encourage the development of long, flowing lyretail fins.

FAQ

How big do Golden Lyretail Killifish grow?

Adults typically reach 5–6 cm, with males developing much longer fins and brighter golden colouration than females.

Are Golden Lyretail Killifish suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are widely regarded as one of the easiest and most forgiving killifish species, making them an excellent introduction to the group.

Are they annual killifish?

No. Aphyosemion australe is a non-annual killifish, meaning its eggs develop continuously in water and do not require a dry incubation period.

Can Golden Lyretails live in a community aquarium?

Yes. They do well with peaceful nano and community fish that won't nip their fins or outcompete them during feeding.

Will they breed in the aquarium?

Yes. They readily lay adhesive eggs among spawning mops, mosses and fine-leaved plants. With suitable care, eggs typically hatch within 2–3 weeks.

Aphyosemion Australe Gold (pair) 2-4cm

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Out of stock,  

$60.00


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    Description

    Golden Lyretail Killifish (Aphyosemion australe "Gold")

    The Golden Lyretail Killifish is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly killifish in the aquarium hobby. With its brilliant golden-yellow body, flowing lyretail fins and peaceful nature, this stunning West African species makes an elegant centrepiece for planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Aphyosemion australe "Gold"
    • Common name: Golden Lyretail Killifish
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy to Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Pairs or one male with multiple females

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful feature fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You're looking for one of the easiest killifish to keep.
    • You enjoy peaceful, slow-moving species.
    • You're interested in breeding non-annual killifish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
    • Your aquarium has strong water flow.
    • You don't have a secure aquarium lid.
    • You keep large predatory fish.

    Why choose Golden Lyretail Killifish?

    The Golden Lyretail Killifish is a selectively bred golden colour form of Aphyosemion australe, renowned for its glowing yellow-gold body and beautifully extended lyre-shaped tail. Mature males develop flowing dorsal, anal and caudal fins that shimmer under aquarium lighting, while females display a softer champagne-gold appearance.

    Native to the slow-moving rainforest streams of Gabon and neighbouring regions, this peaceful species thrives in heavily planted aquariums with floating plants, subdued lighting and gentle water movement. Their calm temperament makes them one of the few killifish suitable for carefully planned community aquariums.

    Unlike annual killifish, Golden Lyretails are non-annual spawners that lay adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants and spawning mops, making them an excellent introduction to breeding killifish.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant golden-yellow colouration
    • Elegant lyretail finnage
    • One of the easiest killifish to keep
    • Peaceful and suitable for planted aquariums
    • Excellent for breeding projects
    • Ideal introduction to non-annual killifish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 20–25Β°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
    • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
    • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with floating plants, driftwood and shaded areas
    • Lid: A tightly fitting lid is essential, as killifish are excellent jumpers.
    • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain pristine water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Pygmy Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Small Rasboras
    • Peaceful Tetras
    • Cherry Shrimp (with adequate cover)
    NTA Insight:
    The Golden Lyretail is often considered the perfect first killifish because it combines spectacular colour with relatively straightforward care. A dark substrate, floating plants and a varied diet rich in frozen and live foods will bring out the deepest golden tones and encourage the development of long, flowing lyretail fins.

    FAQ

    How big do Golden Lyretail Killifish grow?

    Adults typically reach 5–6 cm, with males developing much longer fins and brighter golden colouration than females.

    Are Golden Lyretail Killifish suitable for beginners?

    Yes. They are widely regarded as one of the easiest and most forgiving killifish species, making them an excellent introduction to the group.

    Are they annual killifish?

    No. Aphyosemion australe is a non-annual killifish, meaning its eggs develop continuously in water and do not require a dry incubation period.

    Can Golden Lyretails live in a community aquarium?

    Yes. They do well with peaceful nano and community fish that won't nip their fins or outcompete them during feeding.

    Will they breed in the aquarium?

    Yes. They readily lay adhesive eggs among spawning mops, mosses and fine-leaved plants. With suitable care, eggs typically hatch within 2–3 weeks.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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