Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden pheasant panchax (Callopanchax occidentalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Coastal lowland of West Africa; pools, swamps and streams in rainforest.
Description
The golden pheasant killifish is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from the coastal lowlands of West Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm; males are beautifully coloured with blue, red and orange tints. It occurs in pools, swamps and swampy parts of brooks in the rainforest and humid forested savanna. It is a seasonal killifish: the parents die in the dry season, and the eggs left in the mud hatch only when the rains refill the pools. It hunts insects and small invertebrates. The species is popular with hobbyists and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden pheasant panchax?
The Golden pheasant panchax has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Seasonal killifish: the eggs survive the dry season in the mud and hatch when it rains.
Where does the Golden pheasant panchax live?
The Golden pheasant panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Coastal lowland of West Africa; pools, swamps and streams in rainforest.
How big does the Golden pheasant panchax get?
The Golden pheasant panchax grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Golden pheasant panchax dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden pheasant panchax is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden pheasant panchax edible?
The Golden pheasant panchax is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callopanchax
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Golden pheasant panchax?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden pheasant panchax is one of 12,519 species in the app.