Epiplatys biafranus Radda 1970

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
  • D = 9-10, A = 14-15, D/A = +5-6, ll = 26-27 (Radda 1973)
  • D = 9-10, A = 12-13, ll = 26-28 (Radda & Pürzl 1987)
Karyotype

 

Sub-Genus

Epiplatys

Group

bifasciatus

Synonyms
  • Aplocheilus biafranus Radda 1971
  • Aplocheilus (Epiplatys) biafranus Radda 1973

Populations

  • Aba
  • Enugu
  • Isiokpo
  • Owerri
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.