Johnston's topminnow (Aplocheilichthys johnstoni)

Scientific name: Aplocheilichthys johnstoni G?nther, 1894

The Johnston's topminnow (Aplocheilichthys johnstoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–26°C (64–79°F).

Johnston's topminnow care at a glance

Temperature
18–26°C (64–79°F)

Biology

Found near the surface and among weeds in which it seeks refuge and food. Prefers standing or gently flowing water as in river backwaters, floodplains, swamps, creeks and pools. Usually found in small schools among fringing vegetation; usually abundant when present. Feeds on small invertebrates like mosquito larvae and daphnia. A serial spawner, lays eggs which attach to vegetation. When food is abundant, breeding occurs daily over an extended period (year-round where conditions are suitable). 6 cm max TL. Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Aplocheilichthys johnstoni
Family
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
8.5
Common length
4.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.2 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: widely distributed in southern Africa; present in various lakes and river drainages in Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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 (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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