Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: Displaying a desire for swamps, creeks, small rivers and forested savannahs within Africa, Epiplatys chevalieri can be found in Central African Republic, the east of the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are most common in the middle of the Congo River basin, as well as being sourced in Pool Malebo (in the DRC).
PH: 6.5 – 7.0 pH
Temperature: 24 – 26°C (75 – 79°F)
Hardness: 9 DgH
Description: Epiplatys chevalieri display vivid colouration – mostly red, with yellows and greens on their lower sides and stomaches. Their sides have darker spots or lines horizontally. Like Epiplatys barmoiensis, they have ornate finnage, only this species has a feathered edge along with rays and spots. Their anal fins are elongated and pointed.
Epiplatys chevalieri have a maximum length of 6cm.
These are not seasonal killifish.
Diet: A varied diet is a must for Epiplatys chevalieri, including flake or pellet food along with live food. They prefer flies to worms or brine shrimp.
Breeding: Whilst it is reported in most places that Epiplatys chevalieri are difficult to keep, let alone breed, successful spawning has been achieved by individual, experienced breeders. However, the methods of breeding have not been stated, beyond using a filterless, 19+ litre (5+ gallon) aquarium with a sandy substrate, and floating spawning mops.
Comments: General reports state that Epiplatys chevalieri do not thrive in aquariums, but experienced aquarists have had little difficulty. This species is extra sensitive to nitrate levels, but nitrate levels can be reduced with hornwort (very, very dense hornwart).
Hiding spots, floating mops and floating plants give Epiplatys chevalieri hiding spaces over over-zealous male partners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: These fish have been bred in single-species tanks. They will live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many other Killifish make great tank mates.
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