Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: This species is endemic to Kaningali, Liberia, Africa. Epiplatys ruhkopfi demonstrates a tendency toward small brooks.
PH: 6.0 – 6.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 25°C (72 – 77 °F)
Hardness: 3 – 7 dH
Description: Due to their obvious penchant for small brooks, it is recommended that the tank have slow-moving or still water to replicate the natural habitat of Epiplatys ruhkopfi.
Flaunting beautiful, vivid colouration, they are a lively and peaceful species within a community tank. Dominated by brilliant red spots across their bodies and fins, their body’s base shading is blue or yellow. Epiplatys ruhkopfi’s dorsal and caudal fins show white edging, whilst their anal and pelvic fins have black. The two sexes can be differentiated through transverse bars: they are often not visible on males, whereas the females clearly show 8-11 bars.
Epiplatys ruhkopfi will grow to around 8cm. They 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: Water condition is the most important consideration when attempting to breed Epiplatys ruhkopfi. Poor water conditions will not allow eggs to hatch.
Breeders may find that a pair may not spawn. Like people, fish may find that there is no attraction between them and, in such situations, aquarists are advised to change one of the partners until they find a compatible pair.
Comments: This species is rarely kept in captivity, despite the ease of maintenance and breeding. This could be due to the sensitivity of Epiplatys ruhkopfi to water conditions. With regular water changes, there is no reason why this species should not be kept and breed by anyone from a beginner to expert.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Any non-territorial and low-aggression species may be compatible with Epiplatys ruhkopfi. 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.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 12:12:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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