Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape Lopez lyretail (Aphyosemion australe) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
West-Central Africa, in slow-flowing and standing fresh water of small forest streams, pools and swamps.
Description
The Cape Lopez lyretail is a small, colourful egg-laying toothcarp of the family Nothobranchiidae reaching about 6 cm. The sexes differ strongly: males are red-brown to orange with fine red spots, white fin edges and lyre-shaped extensions to the upper and lower tail lobes, while females are inconspicuously brown. The species lives in slow-flowing and still fresh water of forest streams, pools and swamps in west-central Africa, such as Gabon and Cameroon. Just below the surface it hunts insects, larvae and small aquatic life. Unlike many killifishes it lives in permanent water and breeds year-round. Because of its colour and easy breeding the orange ornamental form is one of the most popular aquarium killifishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape Lopez lyretail?
The Cape Lopez lyretail has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Small, colourful killifish; males are red-brown to orange with white fin tips and lyre-shaped extended caudal lobes.
Where does the Cape Lopez lyretail live?
The Cape Lopez lyretail lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa, in slow-flowing and standing fresh water of small forest streams, pools and swamps.
How big does the Cape Lopez lyretail get?
The Cape Lopez lyretail grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Cape Lopez lyretail dangerous to humans?
No, the Cape Lopez lyretail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cape Lopez lyretail edible?
The Cape Lopez lyretail is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphyosemion
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Cape Lopez lyretail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape Lopez lyretail is one of 12,519 species in the app.