Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue eye (Aplocheilus panchax) is a brackish-water fish of the family Aplocheilidae that grows up to 9 cm.
South and Southeast Asia; lowland wetlands, estuaries, rice fields and ditches.
Description
The blue panchax is a small killifish of the family Aplocheilidae from South and Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate body with a flattened back, an upturned mouth and a conspicuous shining, blue-white spot on top of the head. It inhabits lowland wetlands, estuaries, rice fields, ditches and peat waters and tolerates brackish water. As a surface hunter it watches just below the water surface for insects, larvae and small zooplankton; it also eats mosquito larvae, making it useful in mosquito control. The species is a popular, hardy aquarium fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue eye?
The Blue eye has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Glossy blue-white head blotch; surface hunter that eats mosquito larvae and so helps with mosquito control.
Where does the Blue eye live?
The Blue eye lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South and Southeast Asia; lowland wetlands, estuaries, rice fields and ditches.
How big does the Blue eye get?
The Blue eye grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Blue eye dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue eye is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue eye edible?
The Blue eye is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aplocheilus
More from the family Aplocheilidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue eye?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue eye is one of 12,519 species in the app.