Fin's Fish Guide
The Sixbar panchax (Epiplatys sexfasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of forest streams and swamps.
Description
The sixbar panchax is a slender, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae (African killifishes) reaching about 10 cm. The body has a flat back and an upturned mouth, a build suited to hunting just below the water surface; breeding males are more vividly coloured with several dark cross-bars and red spots. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of forest streams and swamps. It hunts insects and small invertebrates that fall on the water. Unlike many related killifishes it is not a true 'annual' fish: it spawns over an extended period and lays sticky eggs among fine plants. It is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sixbar panchax?
The Sixbar panchax has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, colourful small killifish with a flat back, an upturned mouth and in the male a few dark vertical bars; a surface hunter.
Where does the Sixbar panchax live?
The Sixbar panchax lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of forest streams and swamps.
How big does the Sixbar panchax get?
The Sixbar panchax grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Sixbar panchax dangerous to humans?
No, the Sixbar panchax is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sixbar panchax edible?
The Sixbar panchax is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Epiplatys
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the Sixbar panchax?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sixbar panchax is one of 12,519 species in the app.