This paper re-evaluates the taxonomic status of Panchax Bualanus (=BUA) AHL, 1924, based on its poorly preserved holotype from Buala, Central African Republic. The author argues that BUA does not belong to the subgenus Kathetys but to Mesoaphyosemion, differing from the species identified as BUA by SCHEEL since 1966. Morphological discrepancies between the holotype and SCHEEL’s specimens—such as head shape, caudal peduncle, and body profile—suggest SCHEEL’s fish is actually Panchax Elberti (=ELB) AHL, 1924. The study proposes that the true BUA may be an undescribed species, urging further collections at the type locality to resolve the confusion.
