Schultze's Panchax, Graham' (Epiplatys grahami) — 3-4,5cm

Overview

The Schultze's Panchax or Graham's Epiplatys (Epiplatys grahami) is a graceful African panchax killifish native to freshwater habitats from south-eastern Benin and through southern Nigeria and Cameroon to north-western Equatorial Guinea. Reaching 4.5cm in length, this peaceful species is prized for its striking surface-dwelling behavior and elegant appearance. Ideal for a calm, well-covered planted aquarium, Epiplatys grahami thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with gentle filtration. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this captivating killifish rewards dedicated keepers with unique behaviour and fascinating breeding displays.

Appearance and Coloration

Graham's Epiplatys displays elegant colouration with a slender, elongated body adorned in soft greens, golds, and browns with delicate banding and iridescent highlights. Males are more intensely coloured than females, with more pronounced finnage and a bolder presence. The fins often feature intricate patterns and subtle iridescence that shimmer under subdued lighting. Females are smaller, plumper, and more subdued in colour. In a planted tank with dark substrate and tannin-stained water, the colours become even more refined and eye-catching.

Natural Habitat

Epiplatys grahami is native to fresh water habitats from south-eastern Benin and through southern Nigeria and Cameroon to north-western Equatorial Guinea. These fish inhabit slow-moving 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 40-litre aquarium is recommended for a pair or small group of Graham's Epiplatys. 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 killifish are excellent jumpers.

Feeding and Diet

As a carnivore, Epiplatys grahami requires a varied meaty diet of small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms, supplemented with quality micro-pellets or flakes if accepted. 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

Graham's Epiplatys 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

Epiplatys grahami is best kept in species-only or with very small, calm, non-nippy tank mates of similar size. Suitable companions include peaceful small bottom-dwellers only if the tank is spacious and well-structured. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive or fin-nipping species, very boisterous community fish, and tiny shrimp or fry that may be eaten. A calm, quiet environment is essential for this delicate killifish to thrive and display natural surface-hunting behaviors.

Breeding

Typically an egg-scattering or substrate-spawning killifish. Condition a pair or small group with high-quality live foods, then provide spawning media such as Java moss or yarn mops. Provide fine-leaved plants, spawning mops, and soft slightly acidic water. Eggs are usually collected or left in the tank depending on the method and setup. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to newly hatched brine shrimp after a few days. Remove adults to prevent egg and fry predation. Breeding success is highest in soft, slightly acidic 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 killifish species like Epiplatys grahami. 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.