Re: [Killietalk] help with Aplocheilus Panchax

["unclescott" <unclescott at prodigy_net>]

As Charles mentioned, they are quite tolerant of a variety of waters. Their
range of habitats covers a lot of southern Asia (more so than any other
Aplocheilus). That would also indicate plasticity in terms of what they can
adjust to. Salt isn't necessary, unless you are concerned about velvet.

As Charles also mentioned, the whole genus Aplocheilus is really prone to
jumping. Living right on the surface, they are especially vulnerable to
avian predators in nature and any shaldow or aerial movement can cause them
to sprint, either in the water or out of it. It is a programmed response to
predation and causes aquarists to lose a lot of Aplocheilus from uncovered
tanks. I remember reading that that "eye spot" on the top of their head has
some sensitivity to changes in light.

Freeze dried Krill, with the dust shaken off, are taken from the water's
surface. They greet any mouthsized insects and mosquito larvae
enthusiastically.

Because they are decidedly surface fish, they may not follow food down very
far. Feed flakes sparingly but every now and then. (Or keep Fundulopanchax
below.)

They can be found in shallow waters, small ponds and exposed rice paddies.
Members of the genus Aplocheilus really do better in warmer water than many
killies. 78-80 degrees F / 27-28 is recommended if they are not leaving eggs
at cooler temperatures. During warm summers, while we are struggling to keep
some Aphyosemions healthy, the panchax will be leaving lots of eggs.

They are not as tolerant of fry in the tank as many Aphyosemion or
Fundulopanchax. Their quite large eggs will need to be picked and removed or
mops removed to a an empty tank.

If a disproportionate number of males grow up, separate out the smaller fry
at intervals. Or increase the number of daily feedings the fry receive.

Good luck and all the best.

Scott
Park Forest, IL

Please remember the Chicago killie show this March 20-21. Rosario LaCorte,
lots of
killies, multitudes of neat killie people. http://chika.aka.org/




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