Norman's lampeye (Poropanchax normani) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Family
Procatopodidae (African lampeyes)
Origin
Widespread in West and Central Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Chad and the White Nile in Sudan, in vegetated parts of small savannah rivers, brooks and swamps.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
4 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6.5–7.2
Hardness
Soft to medium (no figure in the sources)
Minimum tank
54 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Lifespan
3–4 years years

Care

Long sold as Aplocheilichthys normani, this little African lampeye is now placed in the genus Poropanchax by FishBase and Wikipedia. Like other lampeyes it has very large eyes with bright, shining markings around them. FishBase describes it as easy to keep, and it is one of the most widely available killifish. Unlike most killies, lampeyes are shoaling fish. Keep a group of at least eight to ten, and more if you can; a single fish or a pair will be nervous and rarely show well. A tank of around 60 × 30 cm (about 54 litres) suits a group. They spend most of their time in the upper part of the water, so plant thickly around the sides, add floating plants and leave some open swimming space. A tight-fitting lid is a good idea. FishBase gives 22–26 °C and a pH of about 6.5–7.2. In the wild it lives in slow-flowing, well-vegetated waters, so keep the current gentle and the water clean with regular partial changes. A darker substrate and background bring out the eye colour. Adults reach about 4 cm. The body is pale with bluish scales and a yellow edge to the body and to the dorsal, caudal and anal fins, which are large and rounded. Wikipedia notes that it can be confused with Micropanchax scheeli, which is a plainer translucent grey, and with Poropanchax stigmatopygus, which is more yellowish grey. FishBase and Wikipedia list it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though Wikipedia notes that some shallow-water populations are under pressure from drought. Fish in the trade are a mix of wild-caught and captive-bred stock, so quarantine new arrivals. Sources: FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Poropanchax-normani.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poropanchaxnormani). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds at the surface on small invertebrates such as mosquito larvae, tiny crustaceans and some plant matter. In the aquarium it takes Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, and also accepts small pellets and crushed flake. Use small foods to suit its little mouth, and feed during the day, when it is most active.

Breeding

A non-annual egg-layer. The small eggs (about 1.5 mm) carry sticky threads that attach them to plants or other surfaces, and they sink to the bottom. Give a well-fed group fine-leaved plants, moss or a spawning mop near the surface and they will spawn regularly. The adults eat eggs and young fry, so either move the mop or plants to a separate container every few days, or keep the tank densely planted so some fry survive. The sources give no incubation time, so check the eggs and remove any that go white. Feed the tiny fry infusoria first, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful community fish for a tank of other small, gentle species such as small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids and shrimps. Avoid any fish large enough to swallow it and fast, greedy surface feeders that would take all the food. Keep it in a proper group so it feels secure.

Last updated 4 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers can only take PayPal or cash on collection. Business sellers can take PayPal or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have 50 sales, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: [email protected].