More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 litres / 10.57 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 4.5cm / 1.77inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 5.04dgH / 90ppm - 20.00dgH / 357ppm |
| pH | 6.0-8.5 |
General Description
The Green Panchax, scientifically known as Aplocheilus Blockii, is a species belonging to the family Aplocheilidae within the Cyprinodontiformes order. It has an euryhaline nature and can be found in lowland habitats with brackish or freshwater, often near the coast. This species prefers areas with surface vegetation or overhanging cover and is commonly seen in habitats like mangrove swamps and rice paddies. The Green Panchax typically reaches a maximum size of 4.5cm.
Aquarium Setup
For keeping Green Panchax in an aquarium, a minimum tank size of 40 litres is recommended. The water parameters should be maintained within a hardness range of 90-357ppm, pH levels between 6.0-8.5, and a temperature of 20-28°C. It is advised to provide them with spaces containing still or slow-moving water, along with some surface vegetation or overhanging cover. Tank setup details can be referred to in the provided table.
Behaviour
Green Panchax exhibits surface-dwelling predatory behavior, feeding on both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In an aquarium setting, they can adapt to accepting dried foods while also requiring regular feedings of small live or frozen options like Artemia, Daphnia, and chironomid larvae.
Feeding and Diet
When breeding, Green Panchax will deposit eggs in woollen mops, fine-leaved plants, mosses, or filamentous algae. The incubation period lasts approximately 10-15 days, after which the fry will need infusoria-grade food until they grow large enough to consume Artemia nauplii, microworms, etc.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Reproduction of Green Panchax is relatively uncomplicated, as they lay eggs in different substrates depending on availability. The sexual dimorphism of this species may not be distinctly pronounced.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to Sri Lanka and southern India, the Green Panchax can be found in states like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and possibly Karnataka. Although reports from Pakistan about this species may be inaccurate, further confirmation is needed regarding their presence in certain regions of the Western Ghats mountains in India. The type locality for the Green Panchax is simply listed as Sri Lanka.