All fish / Aplocheilidae

Blue Panchax

Aplocheilus panchax

Also known as panchax killifish, blue panchax killifish, whitespot, panchax, blue panchax killie, common panchax, ปลาหัวตะกั่ว, ikan kepala timah, パンチャックス, 蓝彩鳉, 潘氏琴尾鳉

A slim, flat-headed killifish with a yellowish to bluish body, a shiny spot on top of the head and a dark-edged fin margin in many populations. It is hardy, cheap and lively near the surface, which makes it a popular choice for planted tanks and patio containers in warm climates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 8

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with two or more females, or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: insects, mosquito larvae, bloodworm, brine shrimp, floating pellets and flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

South and Southeast Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia

Breeding

Pairs scatter eggs among fine-leaved or floating plants over several days, and the eggs hatch in roughly 10 to 14 days. Breeding is easy, but adults eat eggs and fry, so eggs or parents should be moved.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, including small tetras and shrimp. It jumps readily, so a tight lid is essential.