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Ruhkopf's panchax (Epiplatys ruhkopfi) — Nothobranchiidae

Ruhkopf's panchax

Epiplatys ruhkopfi

The Ruhkopf's panchax (Epiplatys ruhkopfi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Liberia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Ruhkopf's panchax is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from shaded forest streams and pools of West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a flat head and a superior mouth; males colour up with blue, yellow and red sheens and streaks. As a surface ambush predator it waits just below the surface and snaps at insects falling on the water, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ruhkopf's panchax?

The Ruhkopf's panchax has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Ruhkopf's panchax live?

The Ruhkopf's panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Liberia

How big does the Ruhkopf's panchax get?

The Ruhkopf's panchax grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Ruhkopf's panchax dangerous to humans?

No, the Ruhkopf'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 Ruhkopf's panchax edible?

Yes, the Ruhkopf's panchax is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ruhkopf's panchax sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys ruhkopfi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Liberia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
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 Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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