Black-lipped Panchax
Epiplatys dageti dageti
Also known as: Daget's Panchax
A hardy, surface-loving killifish that's a perfect gateway into egg-scattering species.
About
A small surface-dwelling killifish from West Africa, Epiplatys dageti dageti goes by several common names including black-lipped panchax, Daget's panchax, and firemouth killifish. Reflecting the geographic variety of the fish and some genuinely complicated taxonomic history. It hails from coastal swamps and slow-moving lowland waters across southern Côte d'Ivoire and southwestern Ghana, and the aquarium strain has been in the hobby since at least 1908. Identification is fairly straightforward: look for six prominent dark vertical bars along the flanks and an absence of the red or orange throat colouration you'd see in its close relative, E. d. monroviae. This is one of the more approachable killifish for hobbyists moving beyond the usual community fare. The aquarium strain tends to be hardier than many killies, and breeding is genuinely manageable. A well-planted setup with floating plants or spawning mops is often all it takes to get fry appearing. Keep a group of six or more; this species is gregarious enough that a larger group brings out noticeably bolder behaviour and better colour displays. It spends most of its time near the water surface, so pairing it with mid- and bottom-dwelling species works well. A thoughtful first killifish for anyone curious about egg-layers.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Black-lipped Panchax
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Black-lipped Panchax get?
- The Black-lipped Panchax reaches about 1.5–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Black-lipped Panchax need?
- A minimum of 14 gallons is recommended for the Black-lipped Panchax.
- What water parameters does the Black-lipped Panchax need?
- The Black-lipped Panchax does best with a temperature of 68–86°F, a pH of 5–7.5, hardness around 1–12 dGH.
- Is the Black-lipped Panchax aggressive?
- The Black-lipped Panchax is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Black-lipped Panchax eat?
- The Black-lipped Panchax is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Black-lipped Panchax live?
- With good care, the Black-lipped Panchax typically lives 3-5 years.