Norman's Lampeye (Poropanchax normani) is a small, peaceful freshwater killifish from Africa, famous for the striking iridescent blue spots atop its eyes that appear to glow under aquarium lighting.
Physical Characteristics
Appearance: Slender, silver-to-bluish translucent bodies with a subtle golden or steel-blue sheen as they mature.
Distinctive Feature: A reflective blue crescent on the upper part of the eye that catches light, giving them their "lampeye" name.
Size: They are a micro species, typically reaching an adult length of 3–4 cm (approx. 1.2–1.5 inches).
Sexing: Males often exhibit longer, more pointed fins and more intense coloration, whereas females have shorter, rounded fins and a duller appearance.
Care and Tank Requirements
Tank Size: While often kept in nano tanks, experts recommend a minimum of 40 to 60 litres (roughly 10–15 gallons) to accommodate their active schooling behavior.
Water Parameters: They thrive in temperatures between 22°C and 26°C with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0–7.5.
Setup: Use dense planting and floating vegetation to provide shade, which makes their glowing eyes more prominent. A dark substrate further enhances their subtle colors.
Safety: They are excellent jumpers; a tight-fitting lid or heavy surface plant cover is essential to prevent them from leaping out.
Diet and Temperament
Diet: As omnivorous micro-predators, they require small foods such as micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes, and live or frozen treats like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops.
Social Behavior: These are obligate schooling fish and must be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural movement.
Tank Mates: They are very peaceful and best suited for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species like Ember Tetras, Pygmy Corydoras, and Chili Rasboras. Avoid larger fish that may see them as prey due to their small size.
SKU: RBM
