Jewel pancha (Aplocheilus blockii) — 3-4cm

Overview

The Jewel Pancha (Aplocheilus blockii), also known as Block's Topminnow or the Green Panchax, is a striking, surface-dwelling panchax native to waters around India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Reaching just 3cm in length, this semi-aggressive nano species is prized for its shimmering green tones, lively personality, and suitability for calm planted aquariums. Ideal for covered tanks with peaceful tankmates, Aplocheilus blockii thrives in warm, soft to moderately hard water with gentle filtration. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this rare panchax rewards experienced keepers with a captivating surface predator.

Appearance and Coloration

The Jewel Pancha displays shimmering metallic green colouration with a slender, elongated body that glints under subdued lighting. Males are more intensely coloured than females, with more pronounced finnage and a bolder presence. The large, upturned mouth is perfectly adapted for surface feeding, and the scales shimmer with iridescent highlights ranging from green to gold. Females are plumper and more subdued in colour, especially when gravid. In a planted tank with dark substrate, the colours become even more vibrant and eye-catching.

Natural Habitat

Aplocheilus blockii is native to waters around India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where it inhabits slow-moving streams, ponds, ditches, and rice paddies. These waters are typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and well-vegetated, with abundant floating plants and surface cover. The substrate consists of mud, sand, and organic debris, and water flow is minimal. During the monsoon season, these fish spawn among fine-leaved plants or submerged vegetation.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum 60-litre aquarium is recommended for a pair or small group of Jewel Pancha. Use a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate with plenty of live plants such as Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Java moss, and floating species like Pistia or Salvinia. Provide open swimming space near the surface, as this is a surface-oriented species that spends most of its time hunting at the water's surface. Filtration should be gentle to avoid strong currents. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as this surface-dwelling fish can jump.

Feeding and Diet

As a primarily carnivorous/insectivorous species, Aplocheilus blockii requires a varied diet of small live or frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and quality small carnivore pellets or flakes. 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 Jewel Pancha is a semi-aggressive, surface-dwelling species with a lively personality. Males may be territorial towards each other, especially in smaller tanks, and these fish may prey on very small fish and shrimp. However, they are generally peaceful towards fish of similar size that occupy the middle and bottom of the tank. Most active during dawn and dusk, they spend much of their time patrolling the surface in search of food.

Suitable Tank Mates

Suitable companions include peaceful small fish of similar size that occupy different levels, such as small rasboras and peaceful small catfish like Corydoras. Shrimp may be kept only if not expected to be prey. Avoid very small fish fry, tiny nano fish, long-finned fish, aggressive or highly territorial species, and fin-nipping barbs. A calm environment is essential for this surface-oriented predator to thrive and display natural behaviours.

Breeding

Eggs are typically scattered among fine plants or spawning mops. Provide soft, clean water and a separate breeding setup if possible, as adults may eat eggs and fry. Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs. Raise fry on infusoria, microworms, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Breeding is straightforward in well-conditioned adults, and a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops improves success rates. Fry grow quickly in clean, well-maintained water.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a trusted UK supplier of rare and specialist tropical fish, including hard-to-find panchax species like Aplocheilus blockii. 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 South Asian waters into your home aquarium.