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Sangmelima panchax (Epiplatys sangmelinensis) — Nothobranchiidae

Sangmelima panchax

Epiplatys sangmelinensis
LC · Least Concern

The Sangmelima panchax (Epiplatys sangmelinensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; forest streams and swamps in Cameroon.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Sangmelima panchax is a small killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from Central Africa. The species grows to only about 6 cm and inhabits swamps, brooks and small forest streams under dense canopy. The elongate body has a flattened back and an upward-pointing mouth, characteristic of a surface hunter that watches for insects at the water surface. Unlike many relatives this is not a seasonal killifish of drying pools. The species is difficult to keep in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sangmelima panchax?

The Sangmelima panchax has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Flattened back and superior mouth; surface hunter in forest streams, not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Sangmelima panchax live?

The Sangmelima panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; forest streams and swamps in Cameroon.

How big does the Sangmelima panchax get?

The Sangmelima panchax grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Sangmelima panchax dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Sangmelima panchax edible?

The Sangmelima panchax is not usually eaten.

More photos

Sangmelima panchax (Epiplatys sangmelinensis) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Lennart Hudel, some rights reserved (CC BY))
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All data

Identification

English name
Sangmelima panchax sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys sangmelinensis
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 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; forest streams and swamps in Cameroon. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects at the water surface 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 back and superior mouth; surface hunter in forest streams, not a seasonal killifish. 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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