Key Features: Distinctive Appearance: A selectively bred strain of Aphyosemion australe, known for its elegant lyretail extension and rich coloration. The “hjersseni” form typically shows warm golden-orange to reddish tones with iridescent blue-green highlights along the body and fins, especially in males.Graceful Swimmer: Moves in slow, controlled bursts, often hovering among plants or gently patrolling mid-to-upper water levels. Males display their lyretail fins prominently during courtship or territorial displays.Behavior: Peaceful but mildly territorial between males. Best known for their calm yet visually expressive behavior in planted aquariums. Care Requirements: Tank Conditions:Thrives in a well-planted aquarium with soft lighting and plenty of cover such as floating plants and fine-leaved vegetation. Ideal temperature is 72–78°F (22–26°C). Prefers soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with very stable conditions. A lid is recommended as they are capable jumpers. Diet:Carnivorous/omnivorous. Prefers small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. Will also accept high-quality micro pellets and flakes, though live foods enhance color and breeding condition significantly. Compatibility:Generally peaceful and best suited for calm community tanks. Males should not be housed together in small spaces due to mild territorial behavior. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras. Size and Growth: Adult Size:Typically reaches 3–4 cm, with males often slightly larger and more vividly colored than females. Growth:Grows steadily under stable, warm conditions. Males develop elongated lyretail fins and stronger coloration as they mature, especially when fed a varied protein-rich diet and kept in a low-stress, planted environment.
