Order : Cyprinodontiformes
Family : APLOCHEILIDAE
Species : Aplocheilus panchax
Maximum Length : up to 9 cm
Typical Length : up to 5 cm

Aplocheilus panchax (Whitespot, Blue Panchax), formerly Aplocheilus armatus, is a widespread and adaptable species of 'killifish'.

'Killifish' are small, egg-laying species in the family Aplocheilidae.

Aplocheilus panchax occurs in a variety of habitats including clear, lowland forest streams, wetlands, drainage ditches and brackish, back mangrove habitats. 

In Singapore it has been found in two separate hot springs, which are a very rare microhabitat in the country.

This small fish is mainly a surface dweller; it is omnivorous, but consumes insect prey, including mosquito larvae. It has historically been introduced to some mosquito-prone habitats to reduce the risk of harmful diseases.

It is easily identified by its body shape, flattened head, and the white spot on top of the head. The mouth is upturned, and there is typically a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin.

Aplocheilus panchax occurs in many parts of Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Java. Its range extends further west to Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Fig 1 : Three whitespots and, hiding beneath a leaf, a Forest Betta (Betta pugnax) in Singapore's central forest.

Fig 2 : Example in partly shaded, shallow stream in Singapore's western area.

Fig 3 : Shallow stream in Singapore's western area.


References and links :

Ho Jonathan K. I., Sorain J. Ramchunder, Andrew Memory, Meryl Theng, Li Tianjiao, Esther Clews, Cai Yixiong, Tan Heok Hui & Darren C. J. Yeo. (2016). A Guide to the Freshwater Fauna of Nee Soon Swamp Forest.  Singapore: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum & Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore. 139 pp.


Fishbase - Aplocheilus panchax