Fin's Fish Guide
The Fire-mouth epiplatys (Epiplatys chaperi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Fresh water of West Africa, in calm, shaded forest streams, creeks and swamps.
Description
Chaper's epiplatys is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae (African killifishes) reaching about 6 cm. The body is yellow-brown with fine vertical streaks; males carry handsome red and blue tints on head, throat and fins, which give the species its English name 'fire-mouth'. 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 colour it is a classic aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fire-mouth epiplatys?
The Fire-mouth epiplatys has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, colourful panchax killifish with a flat, upturned mouth and, in the male, red and blue tints on head and fins.
Where does the Fire-mouth epiplatys live?
The Fire-mouth 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 Fire-mouth epiplatys get?
The Fire-mouth epiplatys grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Fire-mouth epiplatys dangerous to humans?
No, the Fire-mouth epiplatys is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fire-mouth epiplatys edible?
The Fire-mouth epiplatys is not usually eaten.
More photos
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Same genus Epiplatys
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Fire-mouth epiplatys?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fire-mouth epiplatys is one of 12,519 species in the app.