The Lampeye Killifish (Poropanchax normani) is a calm fish that is ideal for the nano or planted aquarium due to its modest size. The fish’s body is an intense shade of green and yellow, and a black stripe runs down its back. Sobat Lampeye, Lampeye Killi, and African Lampeye are some of their alternate names.
This resilient fish, which is native to Central and Western Africa, is great for even novice anglers. Frequently, it will reproduce in the aquarium.
It is advisable to maintain lampeye killifish in groups of three or more because they tend to school. Although they are calm fish, they occasionally display aggression toward other members of their own species. They shouldn’t be kept among fish that are larger than they are since they might turn into prey.
Lampeye Killifish Care
Care for lampeye killifish is simple, but there are a few things you should be aware of to keep your fish happy and healthy.
Because they are carnivores, lampeye killifish need a diet rich in protein. A variety of live and frozen foods can be fed to them. They require a place to rest and hide. To make them feel safe, give them some pebbles or plants.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on the size of your aquarium to ensure there is sufficient room for all the fish because lampeye killifish breed quickly.
Since they are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality, it is crucial to perform routine water changes and maintain a clean aquarium. Enjoy them because killifish aren’t known for having long lives.
Water Parameters for Lampeye Killifish
For lampeye killifish, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is optimum. A hardness of 4 to 8 dGH is considered optimal. A temperature of 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is considered optimal.
Lampeye Killifish Size and Growth
Usually 1.5 inches long, the lampeye killifish can grow up to 3 inches in length. Small fish called lampeye killifish can reach adult lengths of 3 to 5 inches.
Lampeye Killifish Lifespan
In an aquarium, the typical lampeye killifish lives for two to five years. This fish would have substantially shorter lives if left in the wild due to sickness and predators. It’s critical to provide your fish with the greatest care if you want them to live a long life.
Tank Size for Lampeye Killifish
Lampeye killifish demand a lot of oxygen, thus they should be housed in tanks that aren’t too big. The bare minimum tank size for a single lampeye killifish is 20 gallons. Larger tanks can be used, but make sure to aerate them well.
Use a high-quality filter while installing your tank and keep the water clean. Lampeye killifish are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and even minor variations can be lethal.
Food & Diet for Lampeye Killifish
Due to their carnivorous nature, lampeye killifish require a diet high in meat-based foods. For lampeye killifish, some recommended foods include:
- Bloodworms are a type of worm with a high protein and fat content.
- Brine shrimp are a type of crustacean that are rich in both protein and fat.
- Krill is a little shrimp species known for its high levels of protein and fat.
- Daphnia: This little crustacean has a high protein and fat content.
- Tubifex worms are a particular species of worm that are rich in both protein and fat.
It is also beneficial to add some plant-based meals to their diet as a supplement. Plant-based foods that are excellent choices include:
- Algae wafers are a form of food that are rich in protein and fiber. They are a fantastic option for completing the killifish’s diet.
- Vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamins and fiber. They can be utilized to enhance the killifish’s diet.
While lampeye killifish can survive on a diet mostly composed of animal products, it’s also crucial to give them access to some plant-based meals. By doing this, you can guarantee that they receive the vital nutrients they need to stay healthy.
You can also give them a range of fish dishes that have been prepared commercially, like:
- Fish food prepared from dried and compressed fish flakes is referred to as “flakes food.”
- Fish meal compressed into pellets is used to make pellets, a sort of fish food.
- Foods that are frozen are frequently rich in protein and fat, making them perfect for carnivorous fish like the lampeye killifish.
Behavior and Temperament of Lampeye Killifish
Lampeye killifish are generally calm creatures. As long as the other fish are not too big, they can be kept with a variety of other species. Additionally, they are not thought to be particularly territorial.
There are a few exceptions, though. During the breeding season, male Lampeye Killifish might get violent toward one another. If your tank has numerous male fish, you might need to separate them during this period.
The lampeye killifish’s breeding season normally lasts from May to September. The men will become more hostile to one another during this period. If your tank has numerous male fish, you might need to separate them during this period.
Lampeye killifish are typically calm fish in terms of disposition. There are a few exceptions, though. During the breeding season, male Lampeye Killifish might get violent toward one another. If your tank has numerous male fish, you might need to separate them during this period.
Tank Mates for Lampeye Killifish
Lampeye killifish are calm fish by nature. As long as the other fish are not too big, they can be kept with a variety of other species. Additionally, they are not thought to be particularly territorial.
Lampeye Killifish compatible tankmates include:
- Platies
- Danios
- Mollies
Following are some undesirable Killifish tankmates:
Breeding Lampeye Killifish
Popular fish for breeding include lampeye killifish. You will need a tank with a minimum capacity of 20 gallons if you want to breed lampeye killifish. Water should be between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
You must give the fish lots of places to hide in order to encourage spawning. This can be accomplished by adorning the tank with plants or other decorations. Additionally, you must make sure the water has been well filtered and is clean.
The male will chase the female around when the fish are ready to breed. The male will fertilize the eggs when the female has laid them in an appropriate location. Within a few days, the eggs will hatch.
Until the fry are large enough to eat other foods, they must be fed a brine shrimp or baby formula diet. Until they are large enough to be put in the main tank, they should be kept in a separate tank. You will need to gradually expand the tank’s size as the plants grow.
How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Lampeye Killifish
It can be a little difficult to tell male from female Norman lampeye killifish. While females will be duller, have shorter, more rounded fins, and often grow larger, males often have longer, more pointed fins and are slightly more colorful.
Common Diseases in Lampeye Killifish
Several diseases are prevalent in lampeye killifish. These conditions include:
- Flatworm parasites known as flukes can infest a fish’s gills, skin, and fins. They are often spread by contaminated food or drink.
- Ich: A parasitic protozoan that can infest a fish’s skin and gills is known as ich. It often spreads through contaminated food or drink.
- Fish fins and tails can become infected with fin rot, a bacterial illness. It usually spreads through sick fish or water.
- Velvet: A parasitic protozoan that can infest a fish’s skin and gills is known as velvet. It often spreads through contaminated food or drink
