Red Chinned Panchax - Epiplatys dageti : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red-chinned Panchax (Epiplatys dageti) is a captivating and active species renowned for its peaceful temperament and relative hardiness, making it an ideal choice for nano or well-planted aquarium setups. These exquisite Killifish serve as excellent additions to serene community tanks. However, it is important to note that mature males can exhibit territorial behaviour and assertiveness towards females. To ensure harmonious dynamics, it is recommended to maintain a male-to-female ratio of one male to two or three females, preventing undue stress on the females. The Red-chinned Panchax can thrive in both species-only aquariums and those hosting other equally tranquil species of similar size. Compatible tankmates may include smaller Barbs, Rasboras, Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, as well as Corydoras and smaller Plecos. Care should be taken to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive, or more vigorous species, as they may dominate the competition for food resources.
These sociable Killifish display enhanced behaviours when kept in groups of at least six individuals, reducing shyness and allowing for more intriguing social interactions. Creating an aquarium environment with ample hiding spaces contributes to their overall comfort. Including driftwood and resilient plants aids in providing suitable cover for these fish. Additionally, adding dried leaf litter serves to soften and darken the water, recreating their natural habitat while offering additional benefits.
The Red-chinned Panchax showcases a beautiful colouration, featuring a range from light to dark brown on the back with lighter brown sides adorned with a shimmering green-violet iridescence. Notably, they exhibit a yellowish-brown underside and a vibrant red lower jaw, accentuated by a pronounced black bar extending from above the chin through the eye. Along their body, five striking black transverse stripes vertically adorn their form, with four situated on the posterior half and the remaining one located near the base of the pectoral fin. Furthermore, these Killifish display stunning yellow fins adorned with distinct black borders, while certain variants may feature white edges on their dorsal and caudal fins, adding to their visual allure.
Red Chinned Panchax Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Red-chinned Panchax is a straightforward task. Females can be identified by their relatively smaller size and less vibrant colouration in comparison to males. Furthermore, the male exhibits a more pointed anal fin, while the lower caudal fin develops elongated rays as it reaches maturity. These distinct physical characteristics serve as reliable markers in discerning the gender differences of this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Epiplatys dageti |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1953 |
| Other Names | Redchin panchax, Black Lipped Panchax, Orange Throated Panchax, Firemouth killifish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Nothobranchiidae |
| Genus | Epiplatys |
| Origins | Sierra Leone , Liberia , Ghana |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater/Brackish |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| TDS | 18 - 215 |
| ℉ | 70 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Red-chinned Panchax is indigenous to several countries within western Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Within these regions, these captivating fish dwell in slow-flowing, shallow waters that grace the swampy coastal areas, small creeks, and streams. Their preferred habitats boast an abundance of lush vegetation, with water lilies often assuming a dominant presence among the diverse plant species. While the majority of their habitats are freshwater environments, it is worth noting that certain areas also harbour Red-chinned Panchax populations in brackish water conditions.
Breeding
Breeding Red-chinned Panchax can be accomplished with relative ease. While a pair can be promptly spawned in an aquarium, engaging in trios for breeding purposes is recommended, although the resulting yield may be slightly lower. This could be attributed to non-spawning fish potentially consuming some of the eggs. While many breeders refrain from utilizing filtration in killifish breeding setups, incorporating a small, air-powered sponge filter is a prudent measure to prevent water stagnation. Optimal breeding conditions involve maintaining slightly acidic water, a somewhat higher temperature, and subdued lighting.
To ensure successful breeding, it is crucial to condition the fish with a varied diet of live and frozen foods while housing the sexes separately in dedicated tanks. Before placing them in the spawning tank, carefully selecting the fattest female and the most vibrant male is advised. This approach allows the females ample time to recover between spawnings. Spawning typically transpires near the water's surface, with females depositing eggs individually on spawning mops or vegetation through a sticky thread. Females possess the ability to produce 20 to 50 eggs daily, a process that may persist for a few weeks.
If well-fed, the adult Red-chinned Panchax do not pose a threat to the eggs, enabling them to remain in the breeding tank until desired removal. However, if the intention is to relocate the eggs to a separate rearing tank, they possess a firm consistency and can be carefully hand-picked from the mops and plants. Separating the eggs is often a practical approach. If desired, including methylene blue in the rearing tank can effectively prevent fungal growth in the eggs. Should any eggs show signs of fungus, swift removal with a pipette are necessary to prevent the spread to unaffected eggs.
Under appropriate water conditions and fish conditioning, spawning should transpire without significant challenges. If left in the aquarium, the eggs can hatch alongside the parents, although some may be consumed. To maximize fry yield, careful removal of the deposited eggs is recommended, as approximately ten to twenty eggs are typically laid daily over a two-week period. Breeding pairs should only be allowed to spawn for roughly a week before being returned to the conditioning tank, as the spawning process can be physically demanding, particularly for the female.
Following removal, the eggs can be incubated either by placing them on a damp layer of peat moss in a small container or leaving them in the water. Fewer fungal occurrences are observed when incubating in water, although any detected fungus eggs should still be promptly removed. In the case of water incubation, the eggs can be transferred to a small aquarium or a container filled with water from the spawning tank. Incorporating a few drops of methylene blue into the container aids in maintaining the eggs' favourable condition. Keeping the aquarium or container in darkness is essential, as the eggs are sensitive to light. Regular inspection of the eggs is necessary to identify any fungus eggs, which should be removed using a pipette.
Depending on the temperature, the eggs will typically hatch in approximately 12 days. Alternatively, if incubation on peat moss is chosen, the container should be placed in a warm and dark location for around 18 days, after which the eggs will be ready to hatch. Hatching can often be stimulated by transferring the eggs to the rearing aquarium, where the wetting of the eggs encourages the hatching process. If this method proves ineffective, gently blowing air into the water through a piece of airline or straw can trigger hatching.
Diet & Feeding
The dietary preferences of the Red-chinned Panchax exhibit a discerning nature, occasionally displaying selectivity. While many individuals readily consume high-quality dry foods such as flakes or small granules, optimal colouration and overall well-being can be achieved by augmenting their diet with various small live, frozen, and freeze-dried offerings. Bloodworms, mosquito larvae, grindal worms, black worms, brine shrimp, and daphnia serve as valuable additions to their nutritional repertoire. It is important, however, to exercise moderation in feeding to prevent overfeeding, as excessive consumption of live and frozen foods, being nutritionally rich, may have adverse effects.
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