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Dubois' Panchax (Epiplatys duboisi) — Nothobranchiidae

Dubois' Panchax

Epiplatys duboisi
LC · Least Concern

The Dubois' Panchax (Epiplatys duboisi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; shallow, vegetated parts of forest streams and brooks of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Dubois's epiplatys is a tiny killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to only about 3.5 cm and has an elongate body with a flattened back and an upturned mouth; courting males are handsomely coloured. It mainly inhabits the shallow, weedy parts of forest brooks and small streams. As a surface hunter it watches just below the water surface for insects, larvae and small invertebrates falling onto the water. Unlike the seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dubois' Panchax?

The Dubois' Panchax has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Tiny surface killifish with a flattened back; courting males beautifully coloured.

Where does the Dubois' Panchax live?

The Dubois' Panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; shallow, vegetated parts of forest streams and brooks of the Congo basin.

How big does the Dubois' Panchax get?

The Dubois' Panchax grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Dubois' Panchax dangerous to humans?

No, the Dubois' Panchax is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dubois' Panchax edible?

The Dubois' Panchax is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dubois' Panchax verified
Scientific name
Epiplatys duboisi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; shallow, vegetated parts of forest streams and brooks of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, larvae and small invertebrates at the surface sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Tiny surface killifish with a flattened back; courting males beautifully coloured. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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