Epiplatys multifasciatus Care Guide

Epiplatys multifasciatus is a Central African surface killifish from forest streams of the Congo basin, kept in soft, warm tanks.

Overview

Epiplatys multifasciatus is a Central African surface killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae. FishBase records it at up to 6.0 cm total length, notes it is not a seasonal killifish, and considers it very difficult to maintain in the aquarium.

Taxonomy

Family: Nothobranchiidae
Genus: Epiplatys
Scientific name: Epiplatys multifasciatus

Habitat

FishBase places the species across the Congo River basin in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with records from the upper Ogowe (Gabon) and the upper Kouilou-Niari, where it lives in streams, small rivers and brooks under forest cover.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L (about 16 gal)
Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 4-12 °dGH
Lifespan: 3-5 years

Diet

A carnivorous micropredator that takes small live and frozen foods at and near the surface.

Compatibility

A surface-oriented species best kept with mid-sized, calm tankmates, avoiding tiny fish that could be eaten. A tight cover is needed to prevent jumping.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2009), per FishBase.