[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Killifish – Blue Panchax (Aplocheilus panchax)

The Blue Panchax is one of the earliest species imported into Europe (1899). Despite this, it has never become as widespread within the hobby as its obvious beauty deserves. It has a greenish body with blue coloring along both sides that serves to highlight the outline of the scales.

Family

• Aplocheilidae (sensu Parenti and Nelson)

Subfamily

• Aplocheilinae (sensu Nelson)

Distribution

• Southeast Asia.

Size

• Up to 3in (8cm).

Behavior

• Relatively peaceful surface swimmer, although very small fry may be regarded as food; males are somewhat aggressive toward each other.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but other diets also accepted.

Aquarium

• Well covered and spacious, with some floating plants, dense plant shelter around the edges and back, and some open swimming spaces along the front. Subdued lighting is also advisable, as are bogwood and other types of shelter. Water chemistry not critical, but quality must be good. Temperature range: 68-77 F (20-25C).

Breeding

• Eggs are laid among fine-leaved vegetation or spawning mops (see Aphyosemion australe) over a period of days. Hatching takes up to 2 weeks.