Norman’s lampeye

Poropanchax normani

A small silver fish with a blue patch above the pupil.

A translucent silver flank and olive back frame a conspicuous upper blue iris patch; the eye reflection changes with lighting and angle.

Native range: Africa: rivers in Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad , Benin and Togo ; also river drainages in Central African Republic and White Nile in Sudan.

Natural habitat: Inhabits vegetated parts of small rivers, brooks and swamps in savannah regions.

Avoid forceful competitors or large potential predators.

Appearance and identification

An egg-laying lampeye. Clown killifish also have bright eyes but show broad dark body bars.

Males may pursue females.

Keep feeding access and planted cover. Small body size does not justify tiny containers.

Vary appropriately small animal foods; adults also take newly hatched Artemia. Check each fish feeds.

Watch for feeding competition and predation.

Fine plants provide cover and potential spawning surfaces. Keep feeding visible.

Sources