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EveryFish
Aphyosemion australe (wild type), male.

Aphyosemion

A large genus of small African killifish kept in home aquariums.

Photo: Violaine2, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aphyosemion is a group of African rivulines found only on that continent. Many species are popular in the aquarium trade due to their bright colours and manageable size.

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  • Aphyosemion is a genus of African rivulines.
  • It is endemic to the African continent.
  • There are currently 100 recognized species.
  • Many species are popular aquarium fish.
  • Common names include lyretail killifish.

What it is

Aphyosemion represents a diverse genus of small freshwater fish native to Africa. Members of this group are classified as rivulines, a family of annual killifishes known for their vibrant patterns and distinct shapes. The name indicates their exclusive origin on the African continent. These fish are generally compact, making them suitable for smaller tanks. Their appearance varies significantly across the hundred or so recognized species, with many displaying striking colouration that has made them favourites among hobbyists.

Where it lives

This genus is endemic to Africa, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world naturally. The specific countries within Africa where these fish occur are not detailed in the available records. They inhabit freshwater environments typical of rivuline habitats, such as small streams and pools. Because they are restricted to this single continent, their geographic range is defined by the African landmass alone.

How it lives

As rivulines, they typically live in temporary or permanent freshwater bodies, but details on schooling habits or migration are absent. Their ecological role in the wild remains unspecified in the current data.

Aphyosemion
A drawing made by EveryFish from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real fish.

Fish and people

Many species within the Aphyosemion genus are popular aquarium fish. Hobbyists keep them for their aesthetic appeal and relatively small size. Their primary interaction with humans is through the ornamental fish trade, where they are valued for display purposes.

Status and threats

Consequently, whether these fish are considered least concern, vulnerable, or endangered cannot be determined from the available data.

Aphyosemion australe gold
Aphyosemion australe gold. Photo: Alexander Prokoshev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Male Aphyosemion elberti "Red T", a West African Killifish from Cameroon. This is a photo of a small (2 in) fresh water fish taken in a photo tank in 1979. It was known at the time as Aphyosemion bualanum "Red". Common n
Male Aphyosemion elberti "Red T", a West African Killifish from Cameroon. This is a photo of a small (2 in) fresh water . Photo: Montykillies, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Male Aphyosemion splendopleure variety 'Tiko green', tank raised
Male Aphyosemion splendopleure variety 'Tiko green', tank raised. Photo: Andrew Bogott, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Male Aphyosemion ogoense , collection code GHP 80-24
Male Aphyosemion ogoense , collection code GHP 80-24. Photo: Andrew Bogott, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Aphyosemion

What kind of fish is Aphyosemion?

Aphyosemion is a genus of African rivulines, which are a type of killifish. They are small freshwater fish found exclusively in Africa. Many of the species within this genus are kept as ornamental pets in home aquariums due to their appearance.

Where are Aphyosemion fish found?

These fish are endemic to Africa, meaning they are native only to that continent. The specific countries or regions within Africa where they live are not specified in the available information. They inhabit freshwater environments typical of rivulines.

How many species are in this genus?

There are currently 100 recognized species in the Aphyosemion genus. This includes well-known types like the lyre-tail killifish and the golden killifish, among many others named by various taxonomists over the years.

Are Aphyosemion used for food?

The source material does not mention any use of Aphyosemion as a food fish. Their primary association with humans is as popular aquarium fish. There is no information about their role in local cuisines or commercial fisheries.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Aphyosemion", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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