Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Blue Panchax

Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton, 1822)

Also called Whitespot, Panchax

SpeciesShort profile

From South and Southeast Asia: from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, in fresh and brackish waters.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length5 to 9 cm1 2

Sizesmall

Commonly about 5 cm; up to 9 cm TL

Highly adaptable to many habitats

Natural mosquito-larva hunter

Interesting surface behaviour

2 1

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, slender surface killifish

A slender killifish that keeps to the upper water, easy to recognise by the bright white spot on top of its head.2

ColoursWhite spot on top of head2

Personality what they are like

An alert insect hunter that keeps to the surface layer of the water.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends most of its time near the water surface.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Prefers clear water with dense rooted or floating plants. It tolerates slightly brackish conditions as well as fresh water.1

Home where they are happiest

Temperature about 20-25 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 5-12 dH. Clear water with plenty of floating and rooted plants.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly an insect eater in the wild, including mosquito larvae.1 2

The story where it all began

Hamilton described it in 1822. Its range covers much of southern and south-eastern Asia, and it has long been valued locally for eating mosquito larvae.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is often called the whitespot because of the bright patch on top of its head.2
2
It has been used for mosquito control because it eats their larvae.1
3
It can live in fresh or brackish water and is even found in hot springs in Singapore.2
4
It breeds through much of the year, with a peak from November to March.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed June 2018)1
Taxonomy: Family Aplocheilidae; described by Hamilton in 18221

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Panchax. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blue Panchax?

Feed your Blue Panchax small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. As an insect hunter, it enjoys live or frozen foods like mosquito larvae.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Blue Panchax eat, and what should it never eat?

Blue Panchax mainly eats insects like mosquito larvae in the wild. For what to avoid, it's best to ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet as specific foods are not covered here.1 2

How much space does a Blue Panchax need?

Space requirements vary depending on the setup. For specific tank size, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

What temperature, light or water does a Blue Panchax need?

Keep the water temperature between 20-25°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 5-12 dH. Provide clear water with plenty of floating and rooted plants. It also tolerates slightly brackish conditions.1

How often should I clean a Blue Panchax's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular water testing is also recommended weekly. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Blue Panchax live with others?

Whether it can live with others depends on the tank mates. Ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for compatible species.

How long does a Blue Panchax live?

Lifespan varies and is not specified here. For an estimate, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Blue Panchax?

Handling is not recommended for most fish. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Aplocheilus panchax, Blue panchax fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, length, environment, IUCN status, diet, habitat, breeding, mosquito control
Wikipedia: Aplocheilus panchax en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, head spot, size, distribution, habits

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.