[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Killifish – Six-barred Panchax (Aplocheilus sexfasciatus)

This species has similar oblique body bands to A. chaperi (Chaper’s Panchax). As its common name suggests, it has six of these vertical bands. It is extremely variable, both in color and body patterning, and there are five known subspecies, each exhibiting variability according to location.

Other common name

• Six-barred Epiplatys

Synonym

• Epiplatys sexfasciatus

Family

• Aplocheilidae (sensu Parenti and Nelson)

Subfamily

• Aplocheilinae (sensu Nelson)

Distribution

• Western Africa, including Togo, Gabon, Cameroon, and (at least) Taylor Creek in Nigeria.

Size

• Around 3in (8cm), but individuals up to 4 1/4in (11cm) reported.

Behavior

• A surface-living species that may prey on very small fish.

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 (22-28 C).

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.