[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Killifish – Chaper’s Panchax (Aplocheilus chaperi)

Two subspecies of A. chaperi are known: Chaper’s Panchax (A. c. chaperi) and Schreiber’s Panchax {A. c. schreiberi). Both have varying numbers of backward-slanting, narrow, oblique dark bands that are more pronounced in females than in males. However, in both subspecies of A. chaperi the body is somewhat sturdier than in A. annulatus (Clown Killifish), and the caudal fin lacks the central fin ray extensions.

Synonym

• Epiplatys chaperi

Family

• Aplocheilidae (sensu Parenti and Nelson)

Subfamily

• Aplocheilinae (sensu Nelson)

Distribution

• Western Africa (Ghana and Ivory Coast).

Size

• Up to 2 3/4in (7cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful, but not as retiring as A. annulatus.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but other formulations may be accepted.

Aquarium

• Well planted, with some floating plants, a peat substratum, and subdued lighting. Softish, slightly acid water preferred. Temperature range: 72-82 F (22-28C).

Breeding

• Eggs are laid among fine-leaved vegetation and ignored by the spawners (a spawning mop, as in Aphyosemion australe, will also be acceptable). Hatching takes about 8-10 days.