Golden pheasant panchax (Callopanchax occidentalis)

Scientific name: Callopanchax occidentalis Clausen, 1966

The Golden pheasant panchax (Callopanchax occidentalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–24°C (68–75°F).

Golden pheasant panchax care at a glance

Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)

Biology

Occurs in pools, swamps and swampy parts of brooks in the rainforest and humid forested savanna. 9 cm TL. Parents die during dry season and eggs left in the mud hatch only when the waters return at the start of the next rainy season. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Bottom spawner, 3 months incubation. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Callopanchax occidentalis
Family: Nothobranchiidae (African rivulines)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.3 - 7.0; dH range: 1 - 6 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: coastal river systems in Sierra Leone from the Little Scarcies river drainage to lower Lofa river drainage in western Liberia. Probably also in southeastern Guinea.
Conservation status (IUCN): Near Threatened (NT)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial