After the former country of Biafra.

Radda A.C. 1970.

Die Epiplatys-Arten der "senegalensis-bifasciatus-Gruppe", mit der vorläufigen Beschreibung von Epiplatzs biafranus nov.spec.

Aquaria 17: 6-9, figures.

5 cm

• D = 9-10, A = 14-15, D/A = +5-6, ll = 26-27 (Radda 1973)
• D = 9-10, A = 12-13, ll = 26-28 (Radda & Pürzl 1987)

Epiplatys

bifasciatus

• Aplocheilus biafranus Radda 1971
• Aplocheilus (Epiplatys) biafranus Radda 1973

Populations

• Aba
• Enugu
• Isiokpo
• Owerri

According to Radda's re-description the type locality is given as Port Harcourt (southeastern Nigeria).

Ranges from the eastern area of the Niger Delta eastwards to the western area of the lower Cross River & inland forming a triangular distribution area.

http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/c102/c102mr/epiplaty/biafranu.htm

Found under bordering vegetation in small rivers & swamps.

Known to have been in Germany in the late spring of 1973.

Reportedly a little more difficult to breed. Eggs apparently are not very 'sticky' & can fall from mops. Water incubation takes around 12-14 days. Newly hatched fry are very small & do best on infusoria for the first few days. Growth rate is a little slow with sexual maturity being attained around 7-8 months.

First breeding attempts in Germany proved unsuccessful, no eggs being found in mops. The fish spent a lot of time near the bottom so the mulm which accrued on the tank base was syphoned out & examined. Eggs (15) were found in this mulm.

Not a prolific species. They appear to be sensitive to pollution & water changes should be carried out gradually as they are also sensitive to rapid water changes. A little & often would appear to be the best approach with this species.