Christy's lyretail (Aphyosemion christyi) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Family
Nothobranchiidae (African killifishes)
Origin
Ituri forest region of north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the upper Ituri and Lindi rivers and their tributaries; weedy, shallow brooks, pools and swamps.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
6 cm
Temperature
20–24°C
pH
6–6.5
Hardness
Medium, from about 10 dGH
Minimum tank
41 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A lyretail killifish from the Ituri forest of the north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. FishBase says it lives mainly in the shallow, weedy parts of brooks, small streams, pools and swamps, and that it is difficult to keep in the aquarium, so it is a fish for keepers with some killifish experience. It reaches about 6 cm in total length. Seriously Fish has no profile for this species and there is no English Wikipedia article. Keep a pair or a trio of one male and two females, ideally in a species tank. Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of at least 45 × 30 cm (about 41 litres) for related lyretails. Plant it well, add some wood and floating plants to dim the light, and use gentle, air-driven sponge filtration. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as lyretails jump. FishBase gives 20–24 °C, a pH of about 6–6.5 and a hardness of around 10 dGH. Keep the water clean with small, regular partial changes and avoid sudden swings in temperature or chemistry. Males are larger and more colourful than females, with longer fins. FishBase notes that older records of this fish from outside the Ituri area are probably other species, and several similar lyretails are kept in the hobby, so buy from a breeder who can give the collection locality. Keep each population separate and pass its locality code on with any eggs or fish. FishBase lists the species as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is rarely seen in shops; most fish come from specialist killifish breeders. Sources: FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Aphyosemion-christyi.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A small predator of insects and other invertebrates. Feed mainly small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp; some fish will accept good flake or small granules once settled.

Breeding

A non-annual plant spawner. Condition the fish on live foods and give them a spawning mop or fine-leaved plants or moss, where they lay a few eggs each day. The sources give no figures for this species; for related lyretails Seriously Fish describes eggs hatching in about 10–14 days in shallow water (a drop of methylene blue helps prevent fungus) or in about 18 days on damp peat kept in the dark. Pick the eggs off daily and raise the fry on infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful but shy, so best in a species tank. It can share a quiet tank with a few small, calm fish that like similar water, such as small tetras or pencilfish, but avoid boisterous or larger species that would outcompete it at feeding time. Keep only one male in a small tank and do not mix it with similar lyretails.

Last updated 4 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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