Dwarf panchax

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the coastal rivers and streams of southern India (Tamil Nadu) and Sri Lanka. Inhabits shallow pools and oxbow lakes thickly covered with vegetation along the banks, in fresh to weakly brackish waters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Dwarf Panchax (Aplocheilus parvus). The smallest ("parvus") representative of the Aplocheilus genus. A micro-pike with a pointed snout, flat back and a peculiar bright silver spot placed right on top of the head (parietal eye).

Social Behavior: Ambush micro-predator, stations motionless a few millimeters below the water surface. Males can have harmless skirmishes with each other for the best hunting stations. Needs a group of at least 6 individuals to diffuse tensions.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pastel shades, with an olive back and bright yellowish-green flanks. Males show red or orange edges on the anal and dorsal fins. Females are more faded and present some thin dark bands along the body.

Aquarium Setup: 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) nano-aquarium with an escape-proof sealed lid. The mandatory layout involves thick covers of floating plants (Limnobium) to reassure them. The water level can be slightly lowered to allow surface hunting.

Diet and Feeding: Strictly surface insectivore. Requires wingless drosophila (fruit flies), springtails, brine shrimp nauplii and very fine crushed flakes. If the food falls beyond the upper water column, it will be totally ignored.

Water Quality: Tolerates an exceptionally wide range of values (being present also in extreme estuary areas). Does well in normal dechlorinated tap water (pH 6.5-7.5). Appreciates the addition of catappa leaves but is not strictly necessary.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Being very small, unlike its cousin A. lineatus, it is not a threat to most tankmates (except Caridina zoeae). Cohabits excellently with microrasboras, Pygmy Corydoras and Dario dario in quiet tanks.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduces daily by scattering 3-5 adhesive eggs among the roots of floating plants or on artificial mops. The parents rarely prey on the fry if well fed, allowing the hatching and growth of the young in the main tank ("colony breeding").

Risks and Diseases: Very tough fish. The greatest danger comes from overcrowding of the surface or from fast companions (e.g. Danio) that devour all the food before the parvus, a static hunter, can feed, leading it to starvation.