Epiplatys lamottei Breeding Guide

Breeding Lamotte's killifish Epiplatys lamottei: a non-annual West African plant-spawner from the upper Niger drainages of Guinea and Liberia.

Overview

Epiplatys lamottei, Lamotte's or firebelly killifish, has a relatively restricted distribution in southeastern Guinea and northern Liberia, in the upper Niger, upper Lofa, Saint Paul and Saint John river drainages, where Seriously Fish reports it from small streams and minor tributaries. FishBase records it as a non-seasonal killifish reaching about 7 cm that occurs in brooks and can be difficult to maintain in aquaria.

Sexing

Seriously Fish notes that males are more colourful, with more-extended fins, and grow larger than females. Display males show the intense red flanks for which the species is named.

Conditioning

The species is a predator feeding on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, so conditioning relies on small live and frozen foods. Cooler water suits it: Seriously Fish lists 18-23 C, and FishBase gives 21-23 C, so the breeding tank should not be run too warm.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish notes smaller aquaria can be used for breeding. As a non-annual plant-spawner, the species deposits eggs on fine-leaved plants, floating plant roots or woollen spawning mops; soft, slightly acidic water is appropriate, with Seriously Fish listing pH 5.0-7.0 and 18-179 ppm and FishBase pH 7.0-7.8 with low hardness (3-5 dH).

Spawning Behaviour & Trigger

Like other non-annual Epiplatys, pairs or a male with several females spawn continuously on the medium over several days rather than in a single seasonal event.

Egg & Fry Care

Spawning media can be checked every few days and eggs incubated separately, or fry can be allowed to develop in a heavily planted, low-predation tank. Free-swimming fry take microscopic foods followed by Artemia nauplii.

Common Challenges

FishBase notes the species is difficult to maintain, so stable soft water and a varied invertebrate diet are key; predation of eggs and fry by tank mates is the main loss factor, addressed by separating the spawning medium.