Blue Panchax Care Guide

Blue Panchax (Aplocheilus panchax) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 72-82°F. A slim surface-dwelling killifish with a yellow-gold body and a bright blue-edged tail. It will swallow baby fish and very small shrimp, and it jumps, so it needs a snug lid and floating plants for cover.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Use a tight lid; it jumps readily.
• Do not mix with tiny fish or fry.
• Keep one male with a few females to reduce squabbling.

San Diego water

Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.