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Kirchmayer's panchax (Aplocheilus kirchmayeri) — Aplocheilidae

Kirchmayer's panchax

Aplocheilus kirchmayeri
Family: Aplocheilidae

The Kirchmayer's panchax (Aplocheilus kirchmayeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Aplocheilidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Kirchmayer's panchax is a panchax (Aplocheilidae) from shallow, slow-flowing fresh water of southwestern India. The species grows to about 6-8 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a flat head and an upturned mouth, and glittering spots on the flank. As a surface hunter it hovers motionless just below the waterline and darts out at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kirchmayer's panchax?

The Kirchmayer's panchax has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Kirchmayer's panchax live?

The Kirchmayer's panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: India

How big does the Kirchmayer's panchax get?

The Kirchmayer's panchax grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Kirchmayer's panchax dangerous to humans?

No, the Kirchmayer's panchax is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Kirchmayer's panchax edible?

Yes, the Kirchmayer's panchax is commonly eaten.

More photos

Kirchmayer's panchax (Aplocheilus kirchmayeri) — Aplocheilidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Revati Victor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Kirchmayer's panchax sourced
Scientific name
Aplocheilus kirchmayeri
Family
Aplocheilidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Aplocheilus

More from the family Aplocheilidae

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