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Eseka panchax (Epiplatys esekanus) — Nothobranchiidae

Eseka panchax

Epiplatys esekanus
LC · Least Concern

The Eseka panchax (Epiplatys esekanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; streams between the interior plateau and the coastal plain.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Eseka panchax is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from Central Africa. The species has an elongate body with a flattened head and an upward-pointing mouth, typical of surface hunters; males are more handsomely coloured. It inhabits brooks between the inland plateau and the coastal lowland. Unlike the annual killifishes it has no drought dormancy. At the surface it snaps small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eseka panchax?

The Eseka panchax has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Flattened head and upturned mouth for surface hunting; non-annual killifish from Cameroon.

Where does the Eseka panchax live?

The Eseka panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; streams between the interior plateau and the coastal plain.

How big does the Eseka panchax get?

The Eseka panchax grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Eseka panchax dangerous to humans?

No, the Eseka panchax is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Eseka panchax edible?

The Eseka panchax is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Eseka panchax sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys esekanus
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 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; streams between the interior plateau and the coastal plain. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insects, midge larvae and small zooplankton 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
Flattened head and upturned mouth for surface hunting; non-annual killifish from Cameroon. 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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