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Red Cap Lyretail
Aphyosemion calliurum
📍 West Africa
The Red Cap Lyretail is a stunning West African killifish prized for its vibrant red coloration on the head and distinctive lyretail fin shape. These small, colorful fish are ideal for planted nano aquariums and specialized killifish enthusiasts. They exhibit fascinating courtship behaviors and are moderately challenging to keep due to their specific water parameter requirements.
Care Guide
Diet
Red Cap Lyretails are carnivorous and require small live foods such as microworms, fruit flies, and small daphnia. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily. They may be reluctant to accept dried foods, so live or frozen alternatives are strongly recommended for optimal health and coloration.
Behavior
These killifish are active swimmers that prefer densely planted environments where they can establish territories. Males are territorial and may display aggression toward other males, making them best kept singly or in pairs with adequate space. They are surface feeders and exhibit interesting courtship displays with flared fins and color intensification.
Breeding
Red Cap Lyretails are annual killifish that breed in peat moss substrates. Breeding requires careful conditioning with live foods and slightly acidic water. Eggs are laid in peat and require a drying period of 4-6 weeks before rehydration to trigger hatching. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires dedicated setup.
Tank Mates
Similar size and water requirements; peaceful coexistence possible with adequate space
Compatible killifish species with similar care needs and temperament
Small tetras may work but monitor for aggression; ensure plenty of plants for refuge
May be predated upon; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with adequate hiding
Essential for creating territories and providing cover; improves water quality
Hardy plant that provides shelter and spawning sites without being uprooted
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 26-28 C (79-82 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper filtration
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, rapid breathing, lethargy
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), reduce lighting, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; quarantine affected fish
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, loss of appetite, torn fins
Isolate in quarantine tank, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, improve water quality and reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live foods preferred
- lifespan
- 1-2 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–75°F (22–24°C)