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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.
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Gold Panchax - 4cm
Please click on the picture for more information on this species.
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