Fin's Fish Guide
The Red lyretail (Aphyosemion bivittatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
West Africa, in lowland rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon among others, in small forest streams and swamps.
Description
The two-striped lyretail is a small, colourful egg-laying toothcarp of the family Nothobranchiidae reaching about 5 cm. The species shows a strong colour difference between the sexes: males are red to orange-brown with two dark longitudinal stripes, blue accents and lyre-shaped extensions to the dorsal, tail and anal fins, while females are brownish and inconspicuous. It lives in small forest streams, pools and swamps of the lowland rainforests of West Africa, such as Nigeria and Cameroon. Just below the surface it hunts insects, larvae and small creatures. In the rainy season it lays eggs among plants or in leaf litter, which can bridge dry periods. Because of its bright colours it is a popular aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red lyretail?
The Red lyretail has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, colourful killifish; males have two dark longitudinal stripes and lyre-like extended fins, females are brownish and inconspicuous.
Where does the Red lyretail live?
The Red lyretail lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa, in lowland rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon among others, in small forest streams and swamps.
How big does the Red lyretail get?
The Red lyretail grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Red lyretail dangerous to humans?
No, the Red lyretail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red lyretail edible?
The Red 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 Red lyretail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red lyretail is one of 12,519 species in the app.