Togo Panchax (Epiplatys sexfasciatus) — 3-5cm

Overview

The Togo Panchax (Epiplatys sexfasciatus) is a graceful West African surface-dwelling killifish native to Togo and neighboring regions. Reaching just 3cm in length, this peaceful species is prized for its striking banding and peaceful nature. Ideal for a calm planted aquarium, Epiplatys sexfasciatus thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with gentle filtration. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this captivating killifish rewards dedicated keepers with elegant surface displays and fascinating breeding behaviour.

Appearance and Coloration

The Togo Panchax displays striking colouration with a slender, elongated body adorned in six distinctive dark bands (hence "sexfasciatus") against a golden or greenish-brown background. Males are more intensely coloured than females, with more pronounced finnage and bolder banding. The fins often feature delicate patterning and subtle iridescence that shimmer under subdued lighting. Females are smaller, plumper, and more subdued in colour with less distinct banding. In a planted tank with dark substrate, the bands become even more visible and eye-catching.

Natural Habitat

Epiplatys sexfasciatus is native to West Africa, including Togo and neighboring regions, where it inhabits slow-moving or still freshwater habitats. These include streams, swamps, and seasonal pools characterised by soft, slightly acidic, tannin-rich water, dense vegetation, submerged roots, and abundant leaf litter. Water flow is minimal, and the substrate consists of mud, sand, and organic debris. These surface-oriented fish spend most of their time hunting at the water's surface.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 60-litre aquarium is recommended for a pair or small group of Togo Panchax. Use a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate with plenty of live plants such as Cryptocoryne, Java moss, Microsorum, and floating species like Salvinia or Pistia. Provide open swimming space near the surface, as this is a surface-oriented species. Add dried leaves (Indian almond or oak) to release tannins and replicate the natural environment. Lighting should be subdued, and filtration gentle to avoid strong currents. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is an excellent jumper.

Feeding and Diet

As an insectivore, Epiplatys sexfasciatus requires a varied meaty diet of quality micro-pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and small insects, supplemented with occasional small prepared foods. This surface-oriented predator is well-adapted to capturing live prey at the water's surface, so live foods are ideal for maintaining condition and colour. Feed small portions once or twice daily, removing uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Togo Panchax is a peaceful, surface-dwelling species that spends most of its time patrolling the upper water column in search of food. Males may display to each other with flared fins and subtle posturing, but serious aggression is rare. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk, and they appreciate a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of surface cover. They are not competitive feeders, so avoid housing them with boisterous or fast-moving species that may outcompete them for food.

Suitable Tank Mates

Suitable companions include small peaceful fish that are not fin-nippers and do not outcompete them for food, such as peaceful small bottom dwellers like small corydoras, peaceful small rasboras, and peaceful small tetras only if not overly active. Robust invertebrates too large to be eaten may also be suitable. Avoid large aggressive fish, fin-nipping species, fast boisterous fish, large predatory fish, and very small shrimp or fry that may be eaten. A calm, quiet environment is essential for this delicate killifish to thrive.

Breeding

Epiplatys sexfasciatus can be bred in captivity with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs are usually laid among floating vegetation or mops. Remove adults if egg predation is a concern. Condition a pair or small group with high-quality live foods, then provide spawning media such as Java moss or yarn mops. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to newly hatched brine shrimp after a few days. Breeding success is highest in soft, slightly acidic water with calm conditions.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a trusted UK supplier of rare and specialist tropical fish, including hard-to-find killifish species like Epiplatys sexfasciatus. We guarantee healthy, well-conditioned stock, expert care advice, and secure nationwide delivery. Every fish is quarantined and inspected before dispatch, ensuring you receive only the finest specimens. Whether you're setting up a dedicated killifish tank or adding a rare species to your collection, Tropical Fish Co offers unmatched quality and customer service. Order online today and bring the beauty of West African waters into your home aquarium.