African Lyretails
Aphyosemion sp. "Sp Oyorpc91 8"
Also known as: African Lyretail
A rare Congo killifish collected once in 1991 and never formally described.
About
African Lyretails (Aphyosemion sp. oyorpc91-8) is a small killifish with an uncertain identity. It may prove to be the same species as Aphyosemion castaneum once proper taxonomic work catches up with it. What we do know is that it was collected in 1991 near the town of Oyo, in the Cuvette department of the Republic of the Congo, where the surrounding Alima River drains into the middle Congo basin. Like most Aphyosemion killifish, males are almost certainly the more colorful sex, displaying the elaborate finnage that gives the African lyretail group its common name. Because this fish exists in the hobby in limited numbers and has never been formally described as a distinct species, the priority with any group you keep should really be producing offspring and maintaining a healthy captive lineage. For that reason, a dedicated species tank is strongly recommended rather than mixing them into a community setup. The soft, acidic water typical of Central African forest streams suits them best, and their modest size means a small dedicated aquarium is all that's needed. Despite the exotic backstory, the care level is considered beginner-friendly, making this an accessible project for killifish newcomers interested in conservation-minded fishkeeping.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with African Lyretails
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the African Lyretails get?
- The African Lyretails reaches about ~2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the African Lyretails need?
- A minimum of 11 gallons is recommended for the African Lyretails.
- What water parameters does the African Lyretails need?
- The African Lyretails does best with a temperature of 64–73°F, a pH of 5.5–7.
- Is the African Lyretails aggressive?
- The African Lyretails is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.