Norman’s Lampeye

The Norman’s Lampeye, Poropanchax normani (formerly Aplocheilichthys normani), is native to Central and West Africa, where it mainly inhabits flowing to stagnant, shady waters with dense vegetation. This bright-eyed fish has a silvery to golden-yellow body color with a metallic blue shimmer and a bright stripe in the upper part of the iris, which gives it its name. What is particularly interesting to observe is the courtship and display behavior of the males, who then present themselves with their fins spread.

Care in the aquarium

This lampeye, which is up to 4 cm long, can be kept in an aquarium of 60 liters or more and is relatively easy to care for. A dense planting that leaves enough space for swimming and a group with at least 10 members contribute to the well-being of the pretty fish. We also recommend a light that is not too bright or the use of floating plants to dim the light a little, as the Norman’s Lampeye prefers shaded areas. In the company of his peers, it quickly loses his initial shyness. The aquarium water should be clean, soft to medium hard and ideally have a temperature between 22 and 26°C. Socializing the peaceful fish with other peaceful fish is possible without any problems.

Feeding

The fish, which in nature feeds mainly on small aquatic creatures, particularly likes to eat live and frozen food in the aquarium, such as daphnia, artemia or mosquito larvae. Small commercial fish food is also accepted. It is optimal to feed as variedly as possible.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

It is possible to distinguish between the sexes of Norman’s Lampeye by looking at their fins. Males have orange-yellow fins, some with dark edges, and long, pointed pelvic fins. In females, however, the fins are largely colorless and rounded. If the water parameters are correct and there are no predators, breeding in the aquarium is usually not very difficult. The eggs are attached to floating plants by the female using adhesive threads. The newly hatched fry are initially fed with the smallest live food such as infusoria and a few days later can be fed with copepods and newly hatched Artemia nauplii.