Meaning of Name |
After the former country of Biafra. |
First Description |
Radda A.C. 1970. Die Epiplatys-Arten der "senegalensis-bifasciatus-Gruppe", mit der vorläufigen Beschreibung von Epiplatzs biafranus nov.spec. Aquaria 17: 6-9, figures. |
Size |
5 cm |
Meristics |
|
Karyotype |
|
Sub-Genus |
Epiplatys |
Group |
bifasciatus |
Synonyms |
|
Populations
|
Enugu - Collected with Fp.gardneri |
Type Locality |
According to Radda's re-description the type locality is given as Port Harcourt (southeastern Nigeria). |
Distribution |
Ranges from the eastern area of the Niger Delta eastwards to the western area of the lower Cross River & inland forming a triangular distribution area. http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/c102/c102mr/epiplaty/biafranu.htm |
Habitat |
Found under bordering vegetation in small rivers & swamps. |
Distinguishing Characteristics | |
Colour/Pattern Variability | |
History |
Known to have been in Germany in the late spring of 1973. |
Breeding Notes |
Reportedly a little more difficult to breed. Eggs apparently are not very 'sticky' & can fall from mops. Water incubation takes around 12-14 days. Newly hatched fry are very small & do best on infusoria for the first few days. Growth rate is a little slow with sexual maturity being attained around 7-8 months. First breeding attempts in Germany proved unsuccessful, no eggs being found in mops. The fish spent a lot of time near the bottom so the mulm which accrued on the tank base was syphoned out & examined. Eggs (15) were found in this mulm. |
Diameter of Egg | Small |
Remarks |
Not a prolific species. They appear to be sensitive to pollution & water changes should be carried out gradually as they are also sensitive to rapid water changes. A little & often would appear to be the best approach with this species. |