Cape Lopez lyretail

Aphyosemion australe

Scattered red spots and a lyre tail; gold and chocolate are forms of one species.

The adult male has blue-green anterior flanks, brown behind and scattered red spots. This is a chocolate ornamental form; females are plainer and shorter-finned.

Adult length: Up to 6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 21–24 °C
Lifespan: Up to 3 years
pH: 6–7
Hardness: 5–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Occurs in streams and rivers.

Fit a close lid and check feeding competition. Do not aim for 32°C as the routine temperature.

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Appearance and identification

The name australe means southern, not Australian. The species comes from coastal Gabon and Congo. Gold, orange, chocolate and albino labels describe forms of one species.