More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 80 litres / 21.13 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 9.0cm / 3.54inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
General Description:
The Powder-Blue Panchax, scientifically known as Pachypanchax Omalonotus, is a species belonging to the family Aplocheilidae. It has an average maximum size of 9.0cm and requires a minimum tank size of 80 litres. This species originates from Madagascar, specifically the island of Nosy Be and the Sambirano River system, along with some small streams of the Ankify peninsula.
Aquarium Setup:
The Powder-Blue Panchax should be kept in a well-decorated aquarium with live plants, aquatic mosses, or synthetic mops for egg deposition. It is important to provide refuges in the tank if maintaining a group. Water parameters should ideally range from pH 6.0-7.5, hardness of 36-268ppm, and a temperature of 20-28°C (see table for more details).
Behaviour:
This species is generally peaceful, but smaller fishes may be preyed upon. Maintaining it alone is recommended due to its conservation status. If kept in a group, ensuring there are enough refuges for hiding is crucial. Male Powder-Blue Panchax will engage in occasional fights, but severe physical harm is infrequent.
Feeding and Diet:
Powder-Blue Panchax are unfussy eaters and accept a variety of foods, including quality dried products, live and frozen fare, earthworms, bloodworms, Tubifex, Daphnia, wingless fruit flies, and tiny crickets. Gut-loaded fruit flies and crickets are excellent food options.
Reproduction & Dimorphism:
Breeding Powder-Blue Panchax is relatively straightforward if conditions are favorable. They deposit eggs among plants or mops in the aquarium. Males grow larger than females, develop more extended fins, and display vibrant colors. Nuptial males develop a dark stripe extending laterally from the snout to beneath the dorsal-fin origin.
Habitat and Distribution:
In their natural habitat, Powder-Blue Panchax inhabit small freshwater streams with substrates of rocks, cobbles, or sand. They are absent from brackish coastal areas and coexist with various sympatric fish species. This species is vulnerable according to IUCN criteria and is abundant within its range despite the lack of threats from non-native species or predators.