Panchax Giant Gold - Wild Caught 5cm

Panchax Giant Gold - Wild Caught

If you are looking for a larger, growing, peaceful, and colourful top dwelling fish, then the giant gold panchax would be a perfect consideration. These vibrant fish spend almost all of their time right below the water surface and have a body shape which is very similar to the highly coveted asian arowana. Though they are called giant panchax, these fish reach around only reach around 10 cm, which is actually pretty large in community aquarium fish standards. They also make for a great breeding project as well for aquarium fish breeders that are looking for the next fun project. 

Gold panchax are surprisingly under-rated given how vibrant these fish are. As juveniles they can be somewhat grey however as these fish mature, they develop a deep, metallic gold colouration which is quite unique to the panchax. This gold colour is most vibrant near the belly section of the giant gold panchax, but this leads into a lime green colour in the fins. This is lastly contrasted by a red rim on the tail fin which adds a nice break to the bright yellow and green. Gold panchax are also a member of the killifish family, and whilst a lot of killifish only have a 1 year lifespan, these fish can live up to 4 years, which makes this species a great showpiece in a community aquarium. 

Breeding these fish is relatively easy as males and females can be easily distinguished. Males are far more vibrant in colour compared to females and also tend to be larger in size. Golden panchax are an egg-scattering fish and will actually lay eggs daily. Aquarists will usually make spawning mops which are placed into the tank, females will deposit eggs into these mops as it resembles a fine leafed plant. The mop can then be removed and placed into a dedicated breeding tank from where the fry can be raised.   

Tank Recommendations for your Giant Gold Panchax

As the giant golden panchax only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 70 litres. They will however, thrive in larger aquariums and can even be kept in large shoals. As these fish are almost exclusively top-dwelling fish, the choice of substrate or hardscape is not a major consideration. They will love a well planted aquarium, but the main must is a well-fitting lid since these fish are notorious jumpers. Since these panchax are wild caught, they may be skittish as they are adapting to their new captive environment which is why its is especially important a lid on the aquarium. Golden panchax are also a tropical fish which are best kept at 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Due to their extremely peaceful behaviour, giant golden panchax are great to include in community aquariums with other similar sized and tempered fish.

 
Usually Compatible

Khuli loach, pygmy corydora, maculata rasboras, neon tetras, angelfish, and other peaceful aquarium fish.  

Sometimes Compatible

Any incredibly nano species like celestial pearl danios, endlers guppy, and similar species which may have a risk of being eaten or being outcompeted by the golden panchax. 

Rarely Compatible

Larger South American cichlids, both aggressive and peacefu,l can easily outcompete Giant golden panchax. 

Feeding your Giant Gold Panchax

Gold Panchax will take aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of floating pellets, flakes and frozen foods once settled in. Considering these wild caught fish will not have experienced common aquarium foods, it may be best to start by giving them some frozen food before transitioning to prepared food. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition.