After the area they originate from - Port Loko.

Berkenkamp H.O. & Etzel V. 1978.

Epiplatys lokoensis spec. nov., eine neue Hechtlingsart des Überartenkreises Epiplatys bifasciatus (Steindachner 1881) aus Sierra Leone.

DKG Journal 10 (9): p 152-162, figures.

Also described in Ichthologische Mitteilung No.9.

30.5 mm (according to the original description).

D = 7-9, A = 16-17, D/A = +10-12, ll = 26 (+2) (Berkenkamp & Etzel 1978)

Epiplatys

bifasciatus

• Aplocheilus lokoensis Scheel 1990
• Epiplatys barmoiensis (non Scheel 1968) Romand 1980 (probable synonym).

• Rokupr (western Sierra Leone)

The western Port Loko district near Bonkoron.

Limited to the areas of Rokupr & Bonkoron, western Sierra Leone.

Small streams & swampy areas.

Collected by Dr. V. Etzel & W.Kessel in 1975 in western Sierra Leone.

Not seen in the hobby very often, in fact I cannot recall them being circulated in the BKA. Breeding reports suggest they are a difficult species which lay sensitive eggs prone to fungal attack. Eggs are reportedly laid close to the bottom of the tank in plants & mops. Water incubation takes around 14 days. Newly hatched fry are small & require infusoria for a few days. Sexual maturity being attained at 7-8 months.

This species may prove to be invalid & part of E.barmoiensis. The case for keeping lokoensis as a valid species is supported by breeding evidence from Berkenkamp & Etzel who found that young of lokoensis were sexually mature at a much smaller size than barmoiensis.