Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: Like all Epiplatys species, Epiplatys sangmelinensis is common to the inland plateau found in south Cameroon and north Gabon. Although there are reports of its existence in Equatorial Guinea, they are doubtful.
PH: 6.0 – 6.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 25°C (72 – 77 °F)
Hardness: 3 – 7 dH
Description: One of the smaller species of Epiplatys, this fish will reach an average size of only 5cm. Whilst scarce information does not mention colouration, Epiplatys sangmelinensis is identifiable by an off-centre caudal fin.
The male Epiplatys sangmelinensis will be aggressive amongst one another, thus a larger tank that has dense plantation is recommended. Despite this, this species may be comfortable in a community tank with mid- to bottom-dwellers that demonstrate low aggressiveness and territoriality themselves.
The tank should be filled with soft rainwater and frequent water changes are recommended to keep it clean.
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: Unlike some other species of Epiplatys require careful observation of food levels, Epiplatys sangmelinensis requires an abundance of live foods when breeding. Worms should be avoided, due to the ease of the species to become overweight.
Productivity rates are generally low, even when using fish over 1.5 years of age. Fry are vulnerable to water pollution and will grow exceedingly slowly.
As there is limited information available on breeding, it is unknown whether the parents or fry are cannibalistic; thus it is recommended that eggs, fry and adults should be separated.
Comments: If looking for a species for a community tank, this fish will be suitable for any level of experience. If looking for an easy species to breed, or if just starting out with breeding, it may not be suitable.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Other surface feeders with an aggressive temperament should be avoided. Instead, try mid- to bottom-dwellers with low aggression levels. They co-exist within their natural environment with Aphyosemion species and Lamp-Eyes. 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 12:15:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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