Epiplatys etzeli Berkenkamp 1975

Meaning of Name

After Dr. Vollrad Etzel, a German fish collector & biologist.

First Description

Berkenkamp H.O. 1975.

Epiplatys etzeli spec. nov., ein neuer Hechtling aus der südlichen Elfenbeinküste. Ergebnisse der Reien von Dr. V. Etzel, Elfenbeinküste 1974 / 1975, 1.

Aquarienfreund 4 (10): p 183-199, figures.

Size

49.5 mm (after type description).

Meristics
  • D = 8-10, A = 13-16, D/A = +10, ll = 29-30 (Berkenkamp 1975).
Karyotype

n = 25, A = 28 (Scheel 1981).

Sub-Genus

Epiplatys

Group

chaperi

Synonyms
  • Aplocheilus etzeli Scheel 1990
  • Epiplatys chaperi (non Sauvage 1882) Radda & Pürzl 1987)
Populations
  • Akroaba 2
  • Ono (Ivory Coast)
 
Type Locality

A brook close to Ono, east of Abidjan, southern Ivory Coast.

Distribution

Restricted to the area of the type locality; the Ono lagoon & Hébé River east of Abidjan.

http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/c102/c102mr/epiplaty/etzeli.htm

Habitat

 

Distinguishing Characteristics  
Colour/Pattern Variability Low
History

Discovered in 1974 by Mr. Bracket & Dr. V. Etzel in the Ono area of southeastern Ivory Coast.

Breeding Notes

Regarded as a difficult species to breed. Reports suggest eggs are laid just below the surface level in mops or plants. Eggs should be removed & incubated seperately in water. They would appear to be sensitive to fungal attack. Hatching takes 12-14 days. Growth is slow with sexual maturity being attained around 7 months.

Diameter of Egg  
Remarks

This species is sensitive to water pollution & sudden water change. Regular small changes of water are recommended.