Description
Norman's lampeye (Poropanchax normani, formerly known as Aplocheilichthys normani) is a small African freshwater killifish. Its most distinctive feature is the bright blue reflection on the upper part of the iris, which is especially striking under subdued lighting, floating plants, and against a dark background.
This is a peaceful, active, and highly social species. It should not be kept alone or as a pair: it needs the security of a school and sufficient horizontal swimming space. Its modest size and calm temperament make it suitable for carefully chosen community aquariums, although a mature, stable tank is preferable to a very small setup.
Behavior
It mainly occupies the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and feels more secure in a group of at least 8 fish. When space allows, a school of 10 or more displays more natural behaviour and creates a far better visual effect.
It can live with small, peaceful fish that share similar requirements. Avoid large, aggressive, or overly boisterous tank mates, which may intimidate it or outcompete it for food. Provide open swimming space, dense planting around the sides, some floating cover, and a tightly fitting lid because killifish can jump.
Habitat
Poropanchax normani has a broad distribution across West and Central Africa and also occurs in the White Nile basin. It inhabits slow streams, swamps, floodplains, and quiet, densely vegetated margins; the locations linked to this record represent only part of its natural range.
In the aquarium it benefits from clean, stable water, gentle flow, abundant vegetation, and shaded areas. A dark substrate and floating plants reduce stress and enhance the characteristic blue shine of its eyes. Regular water changes are more important than chasing a single exact chemical value within the recommended range.
El pez Ojo de Lámpara de Norman es una especie de cardumen, lo que significa que, de forma natural, vive y se desplaza en grupos numerosos y coordinados.
Se recomienda mantener un mínimo de 8 individuos para que se sientan cómodos y reducir su nivel de estrés.
Habitats
Details
🌊 Water parameters
🐠 Minimum tank size
Breeding
This is a non-seasonal killifish that deposits eggs continuously among fine-leaved plants, Java moss, or spawning mops. For a higher survival rate, use a separate breeding tank with stable water and very gentle filtration, then move the mop or eggs to another container because the adults may eat them.
Incubation usually takes roughly one to two weeks depending on temperature. The newly hatched fry are extremely small and initially require infusoria or a suitable liquid fry food, followed by microworms and newly hatched Artemia once they are large enough. Maintain excellent water quality and avoid strong currents.
Diet
This small micropredator accepts a varied aquarium diet. A quality micro-pellet or finely crushed flake can form the staple, supplemented with suitably small live or frozen foods such as Artemia, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and Cyclops.
Its mouth is small, so food must be appropriately sized and remain available in the middle or upper water levels. Feed one or two small portions per day, offering only what the school can consume within a few minutes, and rotate foods to maintain good condition and colour.
What about your tank?
Enter your tank's values to see only the compatible species that fit them. Litres apply to fish.
Compatible fish
General guidance based on water parameters, behaviour and known exceptions; always review the individual animals' and aquarium's specific needs.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 24–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–25 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–24 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 25–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 24–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7 and 26 °C. They only meet at the very edge, so the tank has to hold that value.
They share water: pH 6.5–7 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5 and 24–26 °C. They only meet at the very edge, so the tank has to hold that value.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 23–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 23–26 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
Compatible invertebrates
General guidance based on water parameters, behaviour and known exceptions; always review the individual animals' and aquarium's specific needs.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5 and 22–24 °C. They only meet at the very edge, so the tank has to hold that value.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–25 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–6.8 and 22–24 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–6.8 and 22–24 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 6.5–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
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They share water: pH 7–7.2 and 22–26 °C.
Sources
- FishBaseFroese y Pauly (eds.), 2026. FishBase.
- Huber (1996)Killi-Data 1996. Société Française d’Ichtyologie, 399 p.
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