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Six-Barred Panchax
Epiplatys sexfasciatus
📍 West Africa
The Six-Barred Panchax is a small, colorful killifish native to West Africa, featuring distinctive vertical bars and vibrant coloration. These active surface-dwellers are popular in planted nano aquariums and community tanks. They are relatively hardy and make excellent choices for intermediate aquarists looking to add movement and color to their setup.
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Care Guide
Diet
Six-Barred Panchax are carnivorous and prefer small live foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and small insects. They will accept high-quality frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes.
Behavior
These killifish are active surface feeders that spend much of their time near the water's surface hunting for food. They are territorial and may display aggression toward other males and smaller fish, particularly during breeding season. They prefer densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and are best kept singly or in pairs.
Breeding
Six-Barred Panchax are egg-scatterers that breed readily in well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water. Males are highly territorial during spawning and will chase females aggressively. Fry are relatively large and can accept small live foods immediately after becoming free-swimming.
Tank Mates
May be viewed as prey; only suitable in larger tanks with dense vegetation
Small size makes them vulnerable; requires careful monitoring
Similar size and temperament; provide adequate space and hiding spots
Bottom-dweller that occupies different water column; minimal interaction
May be predated upon; only suitable with larger shrimp species
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Increase water temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper filtration and maintain stable parameters
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite
Increase aeration and water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; quarantine affected fish if possible
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, torn fins, behavioral changes
Perform daily water changes, improve water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; quarantine severely affected fish and maintain pristine tank conditions
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live foods and frozen foods
- lifespan
- 2-3 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)