
Aphyosemion Australe
Aphyosemion australe
Family: Aplocheilidae • Origin: Various
Aphyosemion Australe (Aphyosemion australe) is a peaceful killifish reaching 2.5 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.
Is Aphyosemion Australe Right for Your Tank?
Aphyosemion Australe is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Aphyosemion Australe makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. Expected lifespan: 4 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Aphyosemion Australe
Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Skipping the quarantine period
Even healthy-looking fish can carry parasites or disease. Quarantine new Aphyosemion Australe for 2–4 weeks in a separate tank before adding to your main aquarium.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 2.5 inches
- • Temperature: 68-77°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Can be kept alone or in pairs
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Aplocheilidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Aplocheilidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 68–77°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Aplocheilidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi

Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae

Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques

Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Similar Species

Chocolate Australe
Aphyosemion australe chocolate

Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Threadfin Rainbowfish
Iriatherina werneri

False Rummy Nose Tetra
Petitella georgiae