Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: Epiplatys lamottei are indigenous to the south-eastern coast of Africa: northern Liberia, Ivory Coast and Guinea.
PH: 7.0 – 7.8 pH
Temperature: 21 – 23°C (70 – 73°F)
Hardness: 3 – 5 dH
Description: The Redspotted Panhax are an aggressive species of Epiplatys; extremely territorial, the males often attack other fish without threat or warning. Because of this, Epiplatys lamottei are not recommended for a community tank.
This species prefer calm water at mid-levels and will often hide under floating plants. They may occasionally stray to the bottom of the tank. An average size for this species to reach is 7cm.
The pelvic fins of Epiplatys lamottei are worth noting, as they are obviously extended. When first spawned, Redspotted Panchax will display transverse bands which will often fade as they mature. The males are identifiable by a bright blue-violet colouration on their sides, with red dots; although his can only be seen when lit up. Females have darker shading.
These are not seasonal killifish.
Diet: Epiplatys lamottei prefer a diet that is primarily live foods such as flies and mosquito larvae. They may adapt to pellets or flake after early rejection. Frozen food may be substituted for live foods.
Breeding: Due to the territorial nature of Redspotted Panchax, it is best to keep one male to two-to-three females in a separate (20L) tank. They prefer a darkened tank (use side/wall plants and floating plants to filter light) full of fresh water with a 7.0+ pH (add a little salt to keep the pH up). The water must be kept at 23°C and must have high oxygen content.
Hiding places are required in the breeding tank as the species can be alarmed quite easily. Using Java Moss will double as a place to hide and as the species’ favoured spawning plant.
Epiplatys lamottei have rather low breeding rates, and are reportedly generally unproductive. The eggs are susceptible to fungus and the fry are sensitive, so it is recommended that you use only well-established tanks to house fry.
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Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good 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 Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many other Killifish could make great tank mates.
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