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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Red-chinned panchax

Epiplatys dageti

Male red-chinned panchax (Epiplatys dageti)
Male Epiplatys dageti. Photo: Mattus1990, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Mattus1990 (Wikimedia Commons) · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Proportional resize and JPEG compression only; no crop or colour edit. CC BY-SA 4.0.

The red-chinned panchax (Epiplatys dageti) is a West African surface-dwelling killifish from coastal savanna habitats. It has been kept in aquaria for a long time, and Seriously Fish describes it as relatively hardy and readily bred. It still needs a suitable aquarium footprint, secure cover and small animal foods. The trade name E. dageti monroviae is often used for the red-throated Monrovia form; E. dageti dageti refers to other described forms. Seriously Fish notes that these are not currently accepted subspecies and that the forms can produce fertile offspring. Keep locality and line information if maintaining population identity matters to you.

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At a glance

Temperature
21–25 °C
pH
6.0–7.0
GH
5–12 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 60 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 54 L
Adult size
Up to 6 cm
Group size
At least 6 individuals
Swimming zone
Surface
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

GBIF and FishBase accept Epiplatys dageti Poll, 1953, in Nothobranchiidae. FishBase gives a maximum total length of 6 cm; Seriously Fish reports about 45 mm standard length. These are different measurements. Males become more colourful and larger, with extended fins and often a longer lower tail lobe. The red-throated form may show a red or orange throat; other populations lack this mark and can have a different flank-bar pattern. Trade names and subspecies labels therefore do not prove provenance. Poecilia sexfasciata and Aplocheilus dageti are historical combinations. A breeder or locality code is more useful than a label saying only “red-chinned”.

Natural habitat

The species is known from coastal savanna and swampy lowlands of southwestern Ghana, southern Côte d’Ivoire and southern Liberia. FishBase describes swamps, quiet brook sections and slow-flowing rivers; Seriously Fish notes that some localities may be brackish, although most habitats are freshwater. This is not a reason to add aquarium salt routinely. Keep it as a freshwater species unless reliable origin information for a particular line indicates otherwise. It spends much of its time in the upper water. Floating vegetation, roots, cover and subdued light suit that behaviour. Do not use wild-collected peat; leaf litter may provide optional cover and microfauna, but never replaces normal maintenance.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends a base of about 60 × 30 cm and lists roughly 54 litres; treat footprint and volume as separate references because volume depends on water height. A smaller breeding tank does not replace this as permanent group accommodation. Seriously Fish suggests buying six or more specimens; also watch for chasing between males. Plants, wood and floating cover break sight lines, while leaving space for surface swimming and feeding. Use mature biological filtration, regular partial water changes and a secure lid. The fish is described as fairly hardy, but fluctuating or deteriorating water is not a suitable care method. Choose calm tankmates with attention to adult size, food competition and breeding plans.

Water conditions

Sources offer different types of reference. FishBase gives natural-history values of 21–23°C, pH 6–7 and GH 5–12 °dH. Killi Club de France gives 23–25°C, pH 6.5–7 and 5–10 °TH as general Epiplatys husbandry guidance, not a species-specific field study. Seriously Fish gives E. dageti a wider aquarium range of 20–30°C, pH 5–7 and 1–12 dGH, and notes cooler conditions for breeding. Do not aim for the extremes in routine care. A stable middle range around 21–25°C, pH 6–7 and GH 5–12 is a cautious synthesis, not an exact natural measurement for every locality. Change conditions gradually.

Behaviour and group size

Seriously Fish describes E. dageti as peaceful with other species and suitable for a carefully chosen community. It is nevertheless a surface-dweller and predator of small animals, so tiny fish, newborn fry and small shrimp are not guaranteed safe companions. Choose calm species that do not take all surface food and are not large enough to prey on or threaten it. Keep a group; Seriously Fish recommends six or more. During breeding, adults eat eggs and fry, so a dedicated setup or timely separation of spawning material is useful when raising young deliberately. Watch for persistent chasing, damaged fins or fish unable to reach food.

Feeding

This is a small predator of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and zooplankton. Seriously Fish lists small live or frozen prey such as Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, Moina and grindal worms, as well as dried foods of suitable size. Offer complete flake food as small flakes or fine crumbs and confirm that the fish take it. Vary it with small live or frozen foods. Small insects may be offered if their size is suitable; avoid escapes or water pollution. Distribute portions across the surface so shy fish also feed. Fry are initially microscopic and need an appropriate first food; adult food is not automatically suitable even when crumbled.

Breeding

Epiplatys dageti is non-annual and deposits eggs among fine plants, mosses, floating roots or spawning mops. Seriously Fish describes different approaches, including moving spawning material every few days or leaving eggs to develop in a mature species tank. Adults eat eggs and fry, so separation is sensible if deliberately raising offspring. Seriously Fish gives about 11–14 days incubation at 21°C; it associates cooler breeding conditions of 21–23°C with a more even sex ratio, while higher temperatures may produce more males. Treat this as specialist guidance, not a guarantee. Prepare microscopic first foods and safe gentle filtration in advance. Do not mix populations or trade forms if preserving their provenance matters.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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