Golden Panchax

Golden Panchax (Aplocheilus Panchax)

Golden Panchax, also known as Blue Panchax, are lively, top-dwelling fish that bring a touch of gold to any aquarium. Their elongated bodies are adorned with a striking golden hue and feature iridescent blue-green markings. Males have more vibrant colors than females.

These fish grow to about 2.5-3 inches in length and display a curious and active personality. Golden Panchax do best when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. These fish are predatorial by nature and have surprisingly wide mouths and should never be kept with small community fish such as tetras or invertebrates because they could be mistaken for live food. Golden Panchax can be kept with larger, peaceful tank mates that do not occupy the top level of the aquarium, such as gouramis, barbs, and catfish.

Golden Panchax requires a good variety of meaty live and frozen foods, including brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They can also accept high-quality flake or pellet food. Providing a varied diet will help ensure their health and vibrant colors.

Golden Panchax requires a well-planted tank with floating plants to provide shade and a sense of security. A dark substrate will help enhance their colors. Driftwood, caves, and rocks can also be added to create hiding spots. They also prefer dim lighting, so include low-light aquatic plants like Java Fern, Java Moss, or Anubias, and floating plants such as Water Sprite or Indian Fern.

Maintaining stable water parameters is essential for their health, so monitor the tank conditions regularly and perform partial water changes as needed. Moderate water flow and a suitable filtration system will help maintain a clean and stable environment.

The minimum aquarium size is 20 gallons, with an ideal community tank size of 30 gallons or more. Maintain a pH of 6.0-8.0, a hardness between 5-20 dGH, and a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C).

Ensure the tank is securely covered, as these fish are known to jump.