Epiplatys chaperi
by Twyla Lindstrom-Peters
From "Fins & Friends" Regina Aquarium Society, Canada
Aquarticles
These are small killifish from Ghana and the Ivory Coast in Africa. The male has brown
lips and his fins are a rusty brown. The female is rather dull in appearance but gets 4-5
diagonal lines across her sides. They get to be about two inches long, males larger than
females generally. The male is much more aggressive as well. Care must be taken to keep
the tank covered as females will jump out to escape an aggressive male. Adequate hiding
spaces or spawning mops should be provided.
They are generally considered a peaceful surface fish that can be kept in pairs or
small schools. They tolerate a wide range of water pH but prefer lightly acid water and
medium hard. The temperature should be 73-81 degrees Fahrenheit. They eat crushed flake,
floating pellets, live grindal worms and relish brine shrimp nauplii. Regina water
(dechlorinated) has been acceptable for both maintenance, spawning, and raising fry.
Spawning is most easily induced with the addition of one or two top mops. They may lay
only a few eggs per day initially but, as the fish mature, they seem to produce more eggs
and fewer will be infertile. Keep in mind too, that if floating plants are added, the fish
will appreciate it but they will also lay their eggs in the plants as well as the mops.
The adults will eat any fry they can find. The eggs are very tiny and clear which makes
picking eggs difficult. If one can just pull the whole mop after about one week and
replace it with another, the tedious task of picking these little eggs is eliminated. The
eggs don't seem to be susceptible to fungus and exposure to air doesn't seem to affect
them. The eggs 'eye-up' in 8-10 days and hatch in about 14 days. They are immediately free
swimming.
Newly hatched fry are very tiny. They swim at the surface. They do best on infusoria
and microfood initially (or, very small newly hatched brine shrimp). Small containers can
be used for the first few weeks to house the fry. Daily water changes and housekeeping is
important though. Leftover brine shrimp, food, etc. must be removed or it can spoil the
water and the fry will die. Fry are quite hardy and very few die if food and water
requirements are met.
These little killifish are an excellent fish for any fish keeper especially those with
limited space. A pair can be accommodated in a large goldfish bowl and will spawn
regularly provided water quality is maintained and the fish receive a good diet. (Keep the
top covered though!)
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