Blue panchax (Aplocheilus panchax)

Scientific name: Aplocheilus panchax Hamilton, 1822

The Blue panchax (Aplocheilus panchax) is a freshwater fish of the family Aplocheilidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Native range: Asia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Indo-Malaysian archipelago. Reported from Nepal Cambodia, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.

Blue panchax care at a glance

Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)

Biology

Occurs in lowland wetlands to estuaries and peats. Found in ponds and ditches canals, reservoirs and mangrove creeks. Prefers clear water in areas with dense growth of rooted or floating macrophytes. Sometimes occurring in hypersaline waters. Feeds mainly on insects. Utilized for mosquito control. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium. Rarely caught by commercial fishermen and not seen in markets. Popular aquarium fish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Aplocheilus panchax
Family: Aplocheilidae (Killifishes)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 9.0
Common length: 5.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 12 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Indo-Malaysian archipelago. Reported from Nepal Cambodia, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm