Blue lamp eye tetra

The Norman’s Lampeye (commonly sold as the Blue Lamp Eye Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish native to West Africa. Growing to just 3–4 cm (1.5 inches), it features a modest silvery body that serves as a backdrop for its stunning, electric-blue glowing eyes. It is an active top-dweller that thrives in planted tanks and is perfect for “nano” aquariums. Unlike many other killifish, it is not aggressive and lives happily in large groups. Now In stock

Category: Fishes

Description

1. Origin & Classification

Scientific Name: Poropanchax normani (formerly Aplocheilichthys normani).
Family: Poeciliidae (related to livebearers, but this species lays eggs).
True Identity: While often mislabeled as a “Tetra,” it is actually a Lampeye Killifish.
Origin: Found in the savannah streams and rivers of West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal).

2. Appearance

The “Lamp” Eye: Its most defining feature is the iridescent blue crescent on the upper half of the iris. Under good aquarium lighting, this spot reflects light intensely, looking like a tiny LED lamp.
Body: The body is slender, elongated, and mostly translucent silver or pale grey. This simple coloration helps them blend into the shimmering water surface in the wild.
Size: A true nano fish, maximizing at about 4 cm (1.5 inches).

3. Temperament & Behavior

Schooling: Unlike many killifish which can be territorial, Norman’s Lampeyes are distinctly social. They must be kept in groups of 6 or more. In large schools (10+), they are more confident and their “glowing eyes” create a mesmerizing display.
Position: They occupy the top level of the tank, often darting just below the surface.
Compatibility: They are extremely peaceful. Ideal tank mates include Neocaridina Shrimp (they rarely bother adult shrimp), Pygmy Corydoras, and Otocinclus. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, as they are easily eaten.

4. Aquarium Care

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons is recommended to give them swimming space.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 79°F).
- pH: 6.5 – 7.5 (Neutral to slightly acidic).
Lighting: Dimmer lighting often makes their blue eyes “pop” more. Floating plants (like Frogbit or Salvinia) are excellent as they provide shade and cover, making the fish feel secure.

5. Diet

Micropredators: They have tiny mouths.
Food: They need small foods. Crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and baby brine shrimp are ideal. They feed primarily from the water surface.

6. Breeding

Type: Egg scatterers (Mop Spawners).
Process: They lay eggs on fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss) or spawning mops. They are fairly easy to breed; often, in a heavily planted tank without predators, fry will appear naturally near the surface.