Norman's Lampeye Killifish (Poropanchax normani) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Poropanchax normani
Common Names: Norman’s Lampeye, Norman’s Blue-Eye, Lampeye Killifish

Norman's Lampeye Killifish is a captivating species known for its small size and distinctive glowing eyes. This peaceful and hardy species is ideal for nano tanks and planted aquariums, where their subtle beauty can be fully appreciated. In this guide, we will explore their natural habitat, aquarium care requirements, and how to successfully breed these fish in captivity.

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish in the Wild

Norman's Lampeye Killifish is native to West Africa, specifically in countries like Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon. They are found in slow-moving, freshwater environments such as streams, swamps, and floodplains. These habitats are typically shallow, densely vegetated, and have soft, acidic to neutral water. The vegetation provides plenty of cover, which is important for the survival of this small fish.

In the wild, Norman’s Lampeye feeds on small insects, larvae, and planktonic organisms, making them effective micro-predators in their natural environment.

Appearance and Behavior

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish is relatively small, with adults growing to about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. They have a slender, elongated body with a subtle, shimmering blue hue that becomes more pronounced under the right lighting. Their most striking feature is the bright, iridescent blue eyes that appear to glow, especially in low light conditions.

These fish are peaceful and sociable, making them excellent choices for community tanks. They are schooling fish and prefer to be kept in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals. When kept in groups, they display better colors and show more natural, active behavior. In a well-planted tank, Norman’s Lampeye is often seen swimming together in the middle to upper water column, occasionally darting to the surface to feed.

Aquarium Care for Norman’s Lampeye Killifish

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish are easy to care for and are adaptable to a wide range of water conditions. However, creating an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat will help them thrive.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school. Since they are active swimmers and do best in groups, a larger tank with ample swimming space is beneficial.
• Water Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F and 80°F (22°C to 27°C).
• Water Parameters: Norman’s Lampeye prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Soft to moderately hard water (up to 12 dGH) is ideal.
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system is preferred, as these fish come from slow-moving waters. A sponge filter or a filter with adjustable flow will work well without creating too much current.
• Aquascaping: A well-planted tank with floating plants like Amazon Frogbit or Water Lettuce provides the cover they enjoy and helps to dim the lighting slightly. Plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne species create a suitable environment, offering plenty of hiding spots. Driftwood and leaf litter can also be added to give the tank a more natural feel.

Lighting

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish do not require intense lighting, and in fact, they prefer subdued lighting conditions. Floating plants can help diffuse the light, enhancing the iridescent glow of their eyes. Under soft or low lighting, the shimmering effect of their eyes becomes even more pronounced, making them a stunning focal point in the aquarium.

Feeding

In their natural habitat, Norman’s Lampeye feeds on small insects, larvae, and other micro-organisms. In captivity, they are not particularly picky and will readily accept a variety of foods.

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or finely crushed flakes are suitable for daily feeding.
• Supplemental Food: For optimal health and coloration, supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, and mosquito larvae.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small portions once or twice a day. Ensure that they consume all the food within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.

Tank Mates

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish are peaceful and shy, making them suitable for a variety of community tanks. They should be housed with similarly peaceful fish that won’t outcompete them for food or nip at their fins.

Good tank mates include:

• Small rasboras (such as Chili Rasboras)
• Small tetras
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Dwarf shrimp
• Other peaceful, small fish

Avoid larger or aggressive species, as they can intimidate or stress Norman’s Lampeye.

Breeding Norman’s Lampeye Killifish

Breeding Norman’s Lampeye Killifish is relatively simple and can be done in a well-maintained aquarium. They are egg scatterers, and with the right conditions, they will spawn frequently.

• Breeding Tank: A separate breeding tank of about 5 to 10 gallons with plenty of fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss is ideal for encouraging spawning. Alternatively, a spawning mop can be used.
• Spawning Behavior: Males will court females by displaying their iridescent colors and performing dances to attract them. After spawning, the eggs will be scattered among the plants or mops.
• Caring for Fry: Norman’s Lampeye does not exhibit parental care, so it is best to remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 24-48 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming after another 3-4 days. Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat newly hatched brine shrimp.

Conclusion

Norman’s Lampeye Killifish is a beautiful and peaceful species that adds a unique charm to any planted or community aquarium. Their glowing blue eyes, coupled with their peaceful nature, make them a favorite among aquarists, especially for nano tanks. With the right care, tank conditions, and diet, Norman’s Lampeye will thrive, providing years of enjoyment and wonder in your aquarium. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, Norman’s Lampeye Killifish is an excellent choice that will bring life and vibrancy to your tank.