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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Gabon lyretail

Aphyosemion gabunense

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The Gabon lyretail (Aphyosemion gabunense) is a peaceful, shy killifish from Gabon. This guide follows the nominate form, A. g. gabunense, so check the locality of captive-bred fish as well. A sheltered aquarium, subdued light, suitable small foods and, above all, a secure lid matter. The sections below explain how to adapt the setup, water and tankmates to its reserved nature, and why a locality code helps. They also cover jumping and feeding competition. This should help you decide whether this specialist killifish suits your aquarium and experience.

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At a glance

Temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.0
GH
5–15 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 45 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 28 L
Adult size
Up to 5 cm
Group size
At least 2 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful, May jump, May compete for food

About this species

Aphyosemion gabunense belongs to Nothobranchiidae and was described by Radda in 1975. It occurs in Gabon, with known localities in the lower Ogooué basin. Aquarium literature often focuses on the nominate form, A. g. gabunense. Hobby sources also use names for geographic forms and related subspecies; ask for the exact name and locality code when buying, and do not casually mix lines. Males are usually more colourful and have longer fins than the smaller, more subdued females.

Natural habitat

The species is known from swamps, small forest streams and pools in Gabon. These small waters can be sheltered and vegetated. This supports subdued lighting, plants and cover, but does not justify artificially acidifying aquarium water or adding tannins. Stable, clean conditions are the priority.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends a base of at least 45 × 25 cm, about 28 litres, for a pair or trio. This is a guide for a calm setup, not a guarantee that every group will coexist without issues. Use a dark substrate, wood and dense planting, with open swimming space and floating plants to soften the light. This fish jumps very well: close every gap around filters, cables and hoses with a well-fitting lid. Keep flow gentle and prevent fast tankmates from taking all the food.

Water conditions

Keep water stable. A cautious routine target for the nominate form is 22–25°C, pH around 6.5–7.0 and GH 5–15 dGH. Seriously Fish gives a broader temperature tolerance up to 28°C but describes cooler conditions for spawning; AquaInfo also supports a moderate tropical setting. This is therefore a prudent routine range, not an exact biological optimum. Measure the aquarium’s existing water, acclimate gradually and avoid rapid changes. Do not add salt, peat or pH chemicals without a specific reason and a way to measure the result.

Behaviour and group size

The Gabon lyretail is peaceful but shy and may be outcompeted at feeding time by more active fish. A species aquarium or a carefully composed quiet community is the safest choice. Although specialist sources list possible tankmate groups, that does not validate or guarantee a particular pairing. Assess each candidate by adult size, activity, mouth size, water needs and available space; avoid large, aggressive or very fast fish. Keep the aquarium covered and make sure every fish can feed calmly.

Feeding

Offer small portions of varied food. Seriously Fish lists small Daphnia and mosquito larvae as suitable live or frozen foods and reports that good-quality flakes are often accepted. AquaInfo emphasises live food and acclimation to dry foods; do not rely on a single dry product. A complete flake can form part of the diet if the fish take it well, supplemented with suitable small live or frozen prey. Dried Daphnia adds variety but is not a complete staple. Feed only what is eaten and check that shy individuals get their share.

Breeding

A. g. gabunense lays eggs among plants or on a suitable spawning medium. Seriously Fish names fine-leaved plants such as Java moss (Taxiphyllum) or a spawning mop; the existing Java moss guide is therefore a supported plant relation. For deliberate breeding, adults are often separated temporarily and conditioned with varied live and frozen foods. Adults may eat eggs; breeders seeking to raise fry can collect eggs carefully. Sources describe more than one incubation method rather than a universal procedure. Breed only when you can provide space, suitable microscopic first foods and excellent water quality for the fry.

Sources & review

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

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