Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded epiplatys (Epiplatys fasciolatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of West Africa, in calm, shaded forest streams, creeks and swamps.
Description
The banded epiplatys is a slender killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae (African killifishes) reaching about 9 cm. The body is yellow-brown with fine crossbars and, in males, red and orange tints on the fins; the head is flat with an upturned mouth, so the fish can lurk for prey just below the water surface. The species lives in small groups in quiet, shaded forest streams, creeks and swamps of West Africa. As a surface ambush hunter it darts at insects that fall onto the water, supplemented with midge larvae and small zooplankton. Because of its handsome colours and small size it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded epiplatys?
The Banded epiplatys has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, clinging-head small killifish with a flat, upturned mouth and fine vertical bars; hunts just below the surface.
Where does the Banded epiplatys live?
The Banded epiplatys lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of West Africa, in calm, shaded forest streams, creeks and swamps.
How big does the Banded epiplatys get?
The Banded epiplatys grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Banded epiplatys dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded epiplatys is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded epiplatys edible?
The Banded epiplatys is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Epiplatys
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded epiplatys is one of 12,519 species in the app.