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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Amiet’s lyretail

Fundulopanchax amieti

Male Amiet’s lyretail (Fundulopanchax amieti)
Male Fundulopanchax amieti. Photo: Violaine2, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Violaine2 (Wikimedia Commons) · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Proportional resize and JPEG compression only; no crop or colour edit. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Amiet’s lyretail (Fundulopanchax amieti) is a small, colourful killifish from western Cameroon. Males show a striking orange caudal lobe with blue and red markings; females are plainer but distinctly patterned. The species comes from the Sanaga drainage and is often maintained in the hobby with locality codes. These matter because related Fundulopanchax can hybridise. Killi Club de France describes the fish as peaceful and active, but sensitive to polluted water. Its global Red List status is Endangered, based on a 2009 assessment, so responsibly documented captive-bred stock is preferable and locality information should be retained.

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At a glance

Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
5.8–7.2
GH
4–8 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 60 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
30–100 L
Adult size
Up to 7 cm
Group size
At least 3 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The accepted name is Fundulopanchax amieti (Radda, 1976), in Nothobranchiidae. Older sources may use Aphyosemion amieti. FishBase lists a maximum total length of 7 cm; males are more colourful with extended fins, while females are less conspicuous but have characteristic flank markings. Known populations are associated with the lower Sanaga in western Cameroon. Breeders use codes such as Somakak, Dissat and Sud Sanaga to distinguish lines. Do not mix these casually. The species can also hybridise with close relatives, including Fundulopanchax puerzli, so keeping it with related killifish can compromise the identity of offspring.

Natural habitat

The species is known from sheltered, swampy brook sections in the rainforest of western Cameroon, in the lower Sanaga region. The type locality is near a small forest stream. A field note from December 1974 recorded 24.8°C, pH 6.5 and very low hardness there; this is a single measurement, not a universal aquarium recipe. Its natural setting suggests calm, shaded places with vegetation and cover rather than a bare or strongly flowing tank. Use plants, wood and floating plants to break sightlines and provide security. Retain open swimming room for an active fish often seen in open water. FishBase does not classify it as a strictly annual killifish.

Aquarium and layout

Killi Club de France suggests a well-planted aquarium of about 30 to 100 litres. Fischlexikon gives 60 cm as an aquarium-length reference, while KCF gives 30–100 litres; these are separate guidelines, not an exact conversion between footprint and volume. KCF mentions 5–10 litre breeding tanks as possible, but says the fish can become shy in them; these are not recommended as permanent housing. Use gentle filtration and regular water changes because the species tolerates pollution poorly. A group with roughly two females per male is a practical starting point in KCF’s account, with plants for refuge. A secure lid is sensible for killifishes even though this species is not singled out as a particularly strong jumper. Avoid mixing close relatives when you want to preserve pure breeding lines.

Water conditions

FishBase gives natural values of 22–28°C and pH 5.8–7.2. Killi Club de France says the species tolerates warm conditions up to about 30°C and records one locality at 24.8°C and pH 6.5. These describe different contexts; do not treat 30°C as a daily target. Keep temperature stable within the documented range and prioritise clean water. KCF warns that pollution is poorly tolerated and recommends frequent partial water changes. Fischlexikon gives GH 4–8 °dH as a secondary aquarium-care reference. KCF describes soft water, while one field site had exceptionally low hardness; these observations do not establish one species-wide target. Test the existing aquarium and change conditions gradually.

Behaviour and group size

KCF describes good behaviour toward its own kind and other killifishes and calls the fish active, often swimming in open water. This can allow a carefully selected community, but not an arbitrary mix. Assess tankmates for adult size, food competition, swimming behaviour and water needs. Pay particular attention to hybridisation: KCF specifically warns against housing it with Fundulopanchax puerzli. Other close relatives deserve the same caution when you want traceable, pure offspring. A ratio of about one male to two females appears in the breeder guidance; provide cover and check that every fish eats normally. The species may be shy in very small tanks. Adjust the group if persistent chasing, fin damage or poor feeding occurs.

Feeding

Amiet’s lyretail prefers live food, but Killi Club de France reports that it accepts dried foods. Offer small animal prey such as suitable insect larvae, Daphnia or Artemia; alternate live and frozen foods with a complete dry food that the fish actually eat. Dried Daphnia is supplementary and is not a complete ration by itself. Feed small portions and remove leftovers, as this species is sensitive to pollution. KCF describes it as an average feeder, so check that less dominant females also get food. Fry need much finer foods than adults and a quiet rearing tank with very clean water.

Breeding

KCF describes Fundulopanchax amieti as a bottom spawner that also uses spawning mops. A trio may produce dozens of eggs per week according to the club’s profile, but results depend on line and condition. The profile describes both water incubation and a drier method using peat-like material; FishBase calls it non-seasonal and gives an incubation of about one month. Breeding reports vary, so use one suitable method and record the line, date and conditions. Adults may eat eggs or fry; separate them for deliberate raising. According to KCF, young fish grow quickly with good food and sex differences become clearer after several weeks. Breed only with space and a responsible plan for the offspring, and prevent crosses between locality lines.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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