Killifish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional names

Cape Lopez Lyretail, Lyretail Panchax, Lyretail Panchax Killifish

Additional scientific names

Haplochilus calliurus, Haplochilus calliurus var. australe, Panchax australe, Panchax polychromus, Fundulopanchax australe

Origin

West Africa. In shallow flooded area in the rainforest.

Sexing

Males are larger with more vibrant colours and longer finnage. The tail, back and anal fin taper to a point in the males, while the females have rounded fins.

Tank compatibility

This fish is best kept in trios male/2 females, and in a species tank, but will be peaceful to other similar sized peaceful community fish.

Diet

Will accept most foods including pellet and flake but prefers live/frozen foods such as bloodworm, tubifex and brine shrimp.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

This fish do best in acidic peat-filtered water with dense planting. A single pair can be kept in a relatively small species tank of around 5-6 US gallons. The need plenty of hiding places, preferably provided by planting and a dark substrate is best. Provide floating plants also.

Behaviour

Will cohabit well with other similar-sized fish and is generally peaceful as long as it's kept as a pair. The male of this species is not always friendly to one another.

Identification

A slender elongated fish with elaborate fins. The tips of the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins are elongated and pointed. The outer rays of the caudal fin form a 'lyre-tail' shape. The background body colouration of males is brownish-yellow to brownish orange with numerous red spots. The fins are orange with a broad yellow and red border and the tips of the fins are white. The females are brown in colour with a scattering of red spots. There are selective-bred variations now available.

Pictures

Chocolate A. australe

 

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