Family: Aplocheilidae
Distribution: South Cameroon and north Gabon (Africa) make up the homeland of Epiplatys zenkeri.
PH: 6 – 6.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 25°C (72 – 77 °F)
Hardness: 3 – 7 dH
Description: There is very sparse information available on Epiplatys zenkeri; thus colouration is unknown. They will grow to a maximum of 5cm within a tank. The males of this species may display aggression towards one another and a larger tank is recommended to lessen this problem. Dense plantation and many hiding spots will also allow the males to separate and stake out their own territory thus limiting their aggression.
Epiplatys zenkeri may comfortable inhabit a community tank, if it is large enough. Being top-dwellers, it would be best to house them with mid- to bottom-dwellers with low aggressiveness and territoriality.
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: Similarly to Epiplatys sangmelinensis, this species also requires plenty of food when breeding (avoiding worms). It can be difficult to breed, with Epiplatys zenkeri generally demonstrating low productivity rates, even when using mature fish. The fry are also susceptible to water pollution.
As it is unknown whether the parents or larger fry are cannibalistic, it is recommended that the parents, fry and eggs 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.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Other surface feeders with an aggressive temperament should be avoided. Instead, try mid- to bottom-dwellers with low aggression levels. 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 13:29:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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