Killifish and Panchax are several common
names for a colourful group of fish also known as Egg-laying
Toothcarps. They are very popular amongst some fish
hobbyists, but most species are only sporadically available. This
is partly because some types have a reputation for being
short lived and partly because many are unfortunately simply
not popular enough or not suitable, for commercial production. The
males of some types such as Aphyosemion and Nothobranchius are
amongst the most gaudy of freshwater fishes, whereas the
females of these types are fairly plain and often hard to
tell apart.
These fish breed by either laying their eggs
on aquatic plants, or by depositing them in the substrate. The
former breeding method is used by fish that live in permanent
aquatic habitats, whereas the latter method is used by species
that live in habitats that seasonally dry out. Some
killifish species even spawn both ways.
Plant spawning species such as Panchax and Aphyosemion
australe are not particularly short lived, and are
quite suitable for a planted community aquarium. For
the bottom-spawning species such as Nothobranchius, they
are indeed short lived, some lasting less than six months. In
the wild the adults die as their habitat dries out (a regular
occurrence), the eggs incubate in the mud bottom until
the rain replenish their habitat, whereupon they hatch
and the fish grow quickly to breed and repeat the cycle.
All Killifish are excellent jumpers and their
aquarium should be well covered - particularly for the first
few days after being purchased. Most prefer soft, slightly
acidic to neutral water with a temperature in the low to
mid 20's C. They look best when kept in a planted aquarium
and most types will benefit from having Amazon Water Conditioner
being added to their aquarium.
| GOLD PANCHAX 4.5CM |
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The Gold Panchax is a hardy surface dwelling fish
with a nice bright golden body. It is not fussy
about water conditions or diet, and is suitable for
community aquariums of similar sized fish. This
fish is an aquarium-bred strain of Aplocheilus lineatus,
a fish native to India. Growing to 9-10cm,
larger specimens may sometimes eat small fish.
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