Epiplatys spilargyreius

The Spotted Pikelet, scientifically known as Epiplatys spilargyreius, is a fascinating surface-dwelling killifish hailing from the slow-moving rivers, streams, and swamps of Africa. Its natural habitat is often characterized by gentle currents, dense aquatic vegetation, and overhanging foliage, which dictates its ideal aquarium setup. To replicate this environment, a tank with low water flow is crucial. Filtration should be gentle, with sponge filters or power filters with an adjustable outflow being excellent choices. A well-planted aquarium, particularly one with floating plants, will provide a sense of security and mimic the cover these fish seek in the wild. A dark substrate can help reduce stress and enhance their natural appearance.

A key behavioral trait of this species is its propensity for jumping, making a tight-fitting lid a non-negotiable piece of equipment. As a social fish, it must be kept in a group. A proper shoal will reduce aggression among males and encourage confident, natural behavior. The group will spend most of its time near the water's surface, actively scanning for food. This top-dwelling nature means they will not compete for space with bottom or mid-dwelling tank mates. However, their carnivorous diet and predatory instincts make them unsuitable for tanks with dwarf shrimp or fish fry. Suitable companions include peaceful, similarly-sized species that occupy different levels of the water column.

Feeding this carnivorous pikelet involves a varied diet. While they will accept high-quality flakes and pellets, their health and vitality are best supported by regular offerings of live and frozen foods. This stimulates their natural hunting behaviors. Despite their active nature, they have a modest metabolism and their bioload is relatively low, but this is balanced by the need to keep them in a group. With a shorter lifespan, providing a well-maintained, species-appropriate environment from the start is the best way to ensure they live a healthy life.

Epiplatys spilargyreius is a member of the Nothobranchiidae family, a group of killifish native to Africa. As part of the genus Epiplatys, it shares characteristics with other African pike killifishes, most notably a distinct morphology adapted for a surface-oriented, predatory lifestyle. Its body is fusiform—elongated and torpedo-shaped—which allows for rapid bursts of speed to capture prey from the water's surface. This is complemented by a superior mouth, which is upturned for efficient surface feeding.

Ecologically, E. spilargyreius occupies a niche in calm, freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, and the vegetated margins of slow-moving streams and rivers. These environments are often soft and slightly acidic due to tannins from decaying organic matter, which aligns with the species' preferred water chemistry parameters. Its diet in the wild primarily consists of terrestrial insects that have fallen onto the water, as well as aquatic larvae and small crustaceans. This micro-predator plays a role in controlling insect populations near the water's surface. It has also been observed as a biofilm consumer, suggesting it may supplement its diet by grazing on microorganisms. Physiologically, its low oxygen consumption is an adaptation to the potentially hypoxic conditions found in its native stagnant water habitats. While it is a true freshwater species, it exhibits a slight tolerance for low levels of salinity. According to its IUCN Red List status, E. spilargyreius is categorized as Least Concern, indicating a stable and widespread population throughout its native range in Africa.

Breeding the Spotted Pikelet is a moderately difficult but rewarding endeavor suitable for a dedicated hobbyist. Success begins with a well-conditioned breeding group. A recommended ratio is one male to two or three females to disperse the male's spawning attention and prevent stress on any single female. Generally, males of this genus can be distinguished by their more intense coloration and more elaborate finnage compared to the plainer, rounder-bodied females. Conditioning the group with a diet rich in live and frozen foods for several weeks is essential to trigger spawning behavior.

This species is an egg-laying plant spawner, meaning the female will deposit adhesive eggs individually or in small clusters onto fine-leaved plants or artificial spawning mops. These eggs are typically placed near the water's surface. Spawning is a continuous process, with a few eggs being laid each day over a period of weeks. A dedicated breeding tank is highly recommended. This setup should include gentle filtration, such as an air-driven sponge filter, and plenty of spawning media. Floating plants or clumps of Java moss are excellent natural choices, while yarn mops are an effective and commonly used artificial alternative.

To maximize the yield of fry, it is best to check the spawning media daily and carefully move the eggs to a separate hatching container. This container should be filled with water from the parent tank and can be treated with a mild anti-fungal agent to prevent egg loss. The eggs typically hatch after a period of one to two weeks, depending on the water temperature. The newly hatched fry are very small and will require microscopic first foods like infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow over the first few days, they can be transitioned to larger foods such as microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp. Maintaining pristine water quality through frequent, small water changes in the fry rearing container is critical for their survival and healthy development.