Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: Originally catalogued by Huber in 1980 in eastern Congo, Epiplatys phoeniceps prefers waters in the high country. They prefer rainforest-covered brooks and small rivers.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 27°C (72 – 81 °F)
Hardness: 3 – 5 dH
Description: Epiplatys phoeniceps has a similar appearance to Epiplatys multifasciatus; the distinction between the species is their transverse bars: the former have 7, whereas the later only sports 5.
They will grow to a size of about 6cm. The male Epiplatys phoeniceps can demonstrate some aggression toward females.
Due to their natural habitat, still or slow-moving water is recommended for tank set-up, as well as floating plants for light-filtration.
These are not seasonal killifish.
Diet: Information regarding preferred diet is sparse; therefore it is recommended that aquarists experiment with the common Epiplatys diet of high-quality flake and live foods.
Breeding: As this species of Epiplatys is rare in captivity, a recommended breeding method is unavailable. Experimentation with a general killifish method is suggested, such as clean, still water, a densely-planted tank with top cover, and close observation to amount of food. Eggs may be removed from the tank in case this species is also prone to fungus.
Peat is recommended, rather than spawning mops or Java Moss.
It is unknown if the parents are cannibalistic, so aquarists should err on the side of caution and separate eggs and young fry from the adults.
Comments: Epiplatys phoeniceps are sensitive to pollution, thus maintenance and breeding can be problematic. It is therefore recommended that only those with prior experience should attempt to keep this fish.
It is rare to keep Epiplatys phoeniceps in captivity and, as such, available information is difficult to come by. For these purposes, we have included general information pertaining to the killifish species.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Due to the lack of available information, it is unknown if Epiplatys phoeniceps will co-exist with other species in a community tank. 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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