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The
Asian Panchax:
In the recent past, the term “Panchax” was
broadly applied to the killifishes in general, however, the term as used
here, only applies to two genera of killifishes hailing from the Indian
Ocean region of Africa and South East Asia: the
Pachypanchax of Madagascar and the Aplocheilus of Asia.
The so named the Blue, Striped and Playfair's Panchax, for example are species of
similar size, appearance and behavior; so their organization here is
strictly an “aquarium related” grouping, but not an actual
phylogenic relationship per se. |
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At one time, certain members of this
group were more widely available in the hobby, but currently the
only widespread species is the “Striped Panchax”; the same species
sold commercially today as the “Golden Wonder”; basically a golden
colored morph of Aplocheilus lineatus. The Golden wonder is
particularly suitable for both commercial production and as a
"beginners fish", being particularly hardy and easily bred.
Generally, all species can be classified as “non-annual”
killifishes; a definition applying primarily within the hobby for
killifishes with an entirely aquatic reproductive mode. |
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Key Genera
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General Distribution:
Madagascar, India-Indonesia
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Aquarium Care & Breeding (generalized)
The “panchaxes” are
entirely of tropical origin, so care and housing principally falls
under the generalized care of tropical aquarium fishes. Some species
of pachypanchax can withstand temperatures under 70F for short
periods, but in general most/all will require warm temperatures for
breeding and maintenance. Water parameters are not critical, and
while this group can be considered hardy, water quality should be
kept within normal to high standard (ammonia and the like kept to a
minimum). These fish, like most killifish can be determined jumpers,
therefore top covers are mandatory. Often the addition of a small
amount of salt is beneficial for some species (especially the estuarine
Asian Panchaxes), but as
usual, not required |
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Feeding: This
group of killifishes can be raised entirely on "commercial" (flakes)
or frozen prepared foods. As with any killifish, the addition of
live foods is beneficial if you want the fish to develop into "show
quality" specimens and achieve peak breeding condition (which will
likewise have a direct affect on your breeding success/failure).
Chopped earthworms, white-worms, grindals are all accepted, but
shouldn’t constitute the bulk of the diet. Instead; offer
terrestrial insects or aquatic larvae (bloodworms, mosquito, flies,
et.) as the larger percentage of live foods offered (note the upward
positioning of the mouth opening in these killifish).
Breeding: This group
of killifishes are known as “mop spawners”, that is if so provided,
an adult pair will deposit their eggs in mops suspended or floating
in the water column. Most members of both genera are easily bread,
with the degree of difficulty ranging from “intermediate” for
Aplocheilus dayi,
to easy for Aplocheilus
lineatus, (the
latter being almost a sure bet if a well fed adult pair is
given just “standard” aquarium conditions). Incubation in water is
relatively short and usually under 21 days. Fry are large, taking
baby brine shrimp immediately. Growth is fast, but distinguishing
the sexes may take a while, especially with some of the pachypanchax.
Fry have been observed unmolested in tanks containing well fed adult
pachypanchax, but adults often can and will eat fry. |
Notable species
A=widely available
U=
usually available
N=
not seen often B=suitable
for beginner
C=Hobby
Conservation targeted
Aplocheilus blockii
N
Aplocheilus dayi
N
Aplocheilus kirschmeyeri
N
Aplocheilus lineatus
A
B
Aplocheilus panchax
U
Aplocheilus parvus
Aplocheilus rubropunctatus
Aplocheilus werneri
N
Pachypanchax omalonotus
N
Pachypanchax playfairii
A
B
Pachypanchax sakaramyi
U
Pachypanchax arnoulti
N
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External links & References
Killietalk Mailing List
AKA sponsored mailing list
FishBase
KILLIDATA ONLINE
How to keep your new golden wonder killie fish, Aplocheilus
linneatus, with pictures
Aplocheilus
Lineatus (Striped Panchax, Golden Wonder Killifish) -
FishandTips.com
Golden wonder panchax, Aplocheilus lineatus | Practical Fishkeeping
magazine
Blue Panchax | Aplocheilus panchax
Aplocheilus panchax, Blue panchax: fisheries, aquarium
Picture of
Pachypanchax
Pachypanchax omalonotus |
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