Natal topminnow (Aplocheilichthys myaposae)

Scientific name: Aplocheilichthys myaposae Boulenger, 1908

The Natal topminnow (Aplocheilichthys myaposae) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–26°C (68–79°F). Native range: Africa, Natal and Transvaal in northeastern Africa, Okavango swamps in northwestern Botswana and the Cuianza and Ciulo drainages in southern and central Angola.

Natal topminnow care at a glance

Temperature
20–26°C (68–79°F)

Biology

Occurs in inshore vegetated areas of lakes and well-vegetated streams. Feeds on aquatic insects, such as mosquito larvae and algae. Serial spawner, lays eggs on vegetation. Potential mosquito control agent. Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Aplocheilichthys myaposae
Family
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
5.5
Common length
3.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.2 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Natal and Transvaal in northeastern Africa, Okavango swamps in northwestern Botswana and the Cuianza and Ciulo drainages in southern and central Angola.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
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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