Six-barred Panchax

Epiplatys sexfasciatus is one of the large species of the genus Epiplatys; it reaches 7–8 cm. Its yellowish-brown body is divided by six dark vertical bands, and in males small red spots are scattered over this background. With its flat back and upturned mouth, it is a typical surface hunter. It lives in swamps, slow streams and waters at forest edges along the Gulf of Guinea coast. It is tolerant of water parameters and breeds easily; it lays its eggs on plants near the surface.

• At least 80 liters for one male and two females; a large surface area.
• Floating plants and dense planting along the edges; an open strip at the surface.
• 23–26°C, soft to moderately hard water; weak flow.
• A tight lid is essential; 25% water change weekly.

Carnivorous. It accepts floating flakes and granules; it should be supplemented with live and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp and fruit flies.

A calm predator that lies in ambush at the surface. Males can get rough with each other. It eats fish and fry that fit in its mouth; it usually leaves fish of its own size alone.

Good companions: medium to large peaceful fish: large tetras, gouramis, barbs, corydoras, plecos.

Avoid: small fish such as neons, rasboras and endlers, dwarf shrimp, aggressive species that dominate the surface.