Order Cyprinodontiformes
Superfamily Cyprinodontoidae
Family Poeciliidae
Subfamily ( Aplocheilichthyinae )
Genus Aplocheilichthys. Aply.
These small (or very small) fish are distributed in many areas of Africa. However, they are not found in the far south or the extreme north. Aplocheilichthys can be found in both irrigation canals and mountain or forest streams. They keep to the upper layers of water, and their main diet in nature consists of insects falling onto the surface of the water, which is densely overgrown with floating plants. Here the fish lie in wait for their prey.
Previously, representatives of the genus Aplocheilichthys and related fish were usually kept in pairs in small aquariums, but such conditions proved unfavorable for them. Pairs separated from other fish feel lonely and do not live long. Recent research has shown that they rather belong to schooling fish, which are accustomed in natural conditions to exist at least alongside a dozen of their own kind.
The fish are mostly slender-bodied, with males larger than females. All female aplocheilichthyins have a dark round spot on the dorsal fin. Since it appears at an early age (3-4 weeks), the fish can already be sexed at this time. Mostly these fish are accustomed to shaded bodies of water and avoid brightly lit areas in the aquarium. Floating plants, as well as patches of fine-leaved plants reaching almost to the water surface, are appreciated. They prefer a spacious aquarium. Since the fish are good jumpers, it is necessary to carefully cover the aquarium with a cover glass. Water temperature 20-25°C.
— Aplocheilichthys johnstoni [Gunther, 1894]. Code: JNS. Synonym: Lacustricola johnstoni. (English: Johnston’s Topminnow). 4 cm. Males are larger than females. Coloration is olive-green with an iridescent sheen, with lemon-colored fins and belly. In some specimens, the dorsal and caudal fins are edged with black. They stay in the upper layers of water. Floating plants, as well as patches of fine-leaved plants reaching almost to the water surface. When frightened, they easily leave the aquatic environment and can jump out even through a very small gap. Regular water changes are necessary; filtration should not be too strong. Fine live food is used in their diet.
— Aplocheilichthys kabae [Daget, 1962]. Code: KAB. Synonyms: Micropanchax, Rhexipanchax kabae. Guinea. 4.5 cm. The ends of the unpaired fins range from yellow to light orange or pink. T 18-26°C.
— Aplocheilichthys katangae [Fowler, 1930]. Code: KAT. Synonym: Aplocheilichthys carlislei; Haplochilichthys, Micropanchax, Lacustricola katangae, Haplochilus carlislei, katangae. (English: Striped Topminnow). Katanga province in the Congo, Zambia, Mozambique – quiet waters near the banks of rivers, streams, and lakes. 5 cm. Resembles a miniature pike: elongated body, flat on top, passing into a pointed head with a semi-superior extended mouth.
The male is yellow-olive, almost yellowish-brown, with a green-blue sheen and a dark line along the body. Fins are yellowish, with black dots at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. The female is colored somewhat more modestly and has colorless fins.
It is better to keep these fish not in community tanks, but in small species aquariums. These should be shaded bodies of water with a soft, dark substrate. Floating surface plants are very good. They can be kept with peaceful fish of the same size. They should not be kept with large predatory fish. Since the fish are good jumpers, it is necessary to carefully cover the aquarium with a cover glass. They eat all types of live foods. Feeding should be abundant, especially during the spawning period, but overfeeding the fish should be avoided.
— Aplocheilichthys kingii [Boulenger, 1913]. Code: KIN. Synonyms: Micropanchax kingi. Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria. This is a small species – 3.5 cm. The body is narrow and elongated, the dorsal fin is located closer to the rear half of the body. The head is flattened on top. The eyes glow brightly under good lighting. Body color ranges from creamy to light brown, showing iridescent shimmers under good lighting. In males, the fins are longer and pointed.
Provide an aquarium with good lighting and you will see glowing eyes and brilliant body shimmers. Very peaceful, schooling fish; keep in groups of 5 or more. Can be kept with any peaceful species. Since they are a bit shy, plant vegetation where they can hide. They swim in the middle layers of water. A dark substrate and background are preferable so their coloration is more visible. Good filtration must be provided, and regular water changes should be done. Feed with fine food; they will eat daphnia, flakes, and frozen food. T 24-29°C.
Aplocheilichthys myersi, normani pumilus, pfaffi, spilauchen.
Fluviphylax pygmaeus, Lamprichthys tanganicanus, Micropanchax macrophthalmus. 
