Red Lyretail

About

The red lyretail (Aphyosemion bivittatum) is a small but vividly colored killifish native to the coastal rainforest streams of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. In the wild it occupies slow, shaded brooks running through calcium-rich soils, which hints at why water chemistry matters so much for this species. Males are the showstoppers, typically displaying rich reds and iridescent blues across the body, with the characteristic lyre-shaped tail extension that gives the fish its common name. Females are more subdued, as is typical across the genus. Unlike many killifish in the hobby, the red lyretail is not a seasonal species, meaning it does not require the egg-drying period that annual killies demand. That simplifies breeding logistics somewhat, though this species still has a reputation for being fussier than average in captivity. Soft, acidic water that closely mirrors its rainforest origins seems to be the key to keeping it thriving long-term. It stays quite small, topping out around two inches, so it fits comfortably in a well-planted, species-focused setup. Despite being listed at a beginner care level in some references, the water chemistry requirements mean it rewards keepers who pay close attention to conditions.