All fish / Procatopodidae

Blue Lampeye

Procatopus similis

Also known as blue lampeye killifish, nigerian lampeye, similis lampeye, procatopus

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A slim African lampeye killifish. Males have a bright blue iridescent body with orange-edged fins, and the eyes have a reflective upper rim. Keepers like it for its active shoaling in the upper water and its strong colour under good lighting.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, plus quality flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal rainforest streams of southwestern Cameroon and southeastern Nigeria

Breeding

Females lay their eggs in crevices, such as cracks in wood or rock or the gaps in spawning mops, and the eggs hatch in about two to three weeks. It breeds fairly readily in a soft, well-oxygenated tank, although rearing the small fry takes some care.

Good to know

Needs clean, well-oxygenated water with some current and is sensitive to poor water quality. Keep a tight lid on the tank because it can jump, and do not house it with large or boisterous fish.