Aplocheilus panchax Care Guide
Aplocheilus panchax, the blue panchax, is a widespread Asian surface predator tolerant of fresh and brackish water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Aplocheilus panchax, the blue panchax, is a surface-dwelling killifish of the family Aplocheilidae. FishBase records it at up to 9.0 cm total length (commonly 5.0 cm) and notes a non-migratory, benthopelagic habit. Wikipedia describes a distinctive white-coloured spot on top of the head.
Taxonomy
- Family: Aplocheilidae
- Genus: Aplocheilus
- Scientific name: Aplocheilus panchax
Habitat
FishBase reports a broad South and Southeast Asian range including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Indo-Malaysian archipelago. It occurs in lowland wetlands, estuaries, ponds, ditches, canals, reservoirs and mangrove creeks, preferring clear water with rooted or floating macrophytes, and tolerates brackish conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (about 16 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
A carnivore that, per FishBase and Wikipedia, feeds mainly on insects and mosquito larvae; it is used for mosquito control. In aquaria it takes live, frozen and floating prepared foods.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive top-water predator. It is best kept with mid-sized tankmates such as larger tetras and rasboras, and will eat fish small enough to swallow. A secure cover is needed for this surface-oriented species.
Breeding
FishBase describes it as a perennial breeder, with activity from about November to March in both fresh and brackish water.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018), per FishBase and Wikipedia.
Blue Panchax Breeding Guide
Overview
Aplocheilus panchax is a widespread surface-dwelling killifish of the family Aplocheilidae, native across South and Southeast Asia from Pakistan and India to the Indo-Malaysian archipelago. FishBase records a maximum length of about 9 cm and describes it as a perennial breeder, oviparous and active particularly from November to March. It tolerates both fresh and brackish water and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Sexing
AquaInfo describes males as pale yellow with a darker back and yellowish belly, an iridescent blue sheen and dark-rimmed scale markings, while females are less brightly coloured with rounded dorsal and anal fins.
Conditioning
The species is carnivorous, feeding mainly on insects in nature; AquaInfo notes it generally takes only live food but will accept dry food for variety. Conditioning is therefore done on live and frozen foods.
Breeding Setup
AquaInfo recommends breeding trays of about ten litres with the temperature raised to roughly 25 C, although the fish may also spawn in a community tank at normal temperatures. AquaInfo gives 22-24 C for maintenance, pH 6.0-7.0 and GH 8-12; floating and fine-leaved plants provide spawning sites near the surface.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a surface spawner the fish deposits its relatively large eggs on plants near the water surface. AquaInfo notes the eggs have a firm shell that allows them to be removed from the plants and transferred to a separate rearing container.
Egg & Fry Care
AquaInfo reports an incubation period of about 12-14 days, after which the young are easy to rear on the usual fry foods. Newly hatched brine shrimp and infusoria are suitable first foods for surface-spawning panchax fry.
Common Challenges
Adults are predatory toward small tankmates and fry, so the fry are best raised away from the parents. As a surface fish it is an accomplished jumper, so a tight cover is essential.