Lampeye panchax (Micropanchax macrophthalmus)

Scientific name: Micropanchax macrophthalmus Meinken, 1932

The Lampeye panchax (Micropanchax macrophthalmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows to about 4 cm (1.6 in). It is difficult to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 20 L (5 US gal), water at 22–26°C (72–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: Africa, Southern Benin, southern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon.

Lampeye panchax care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
4 cm (1.6 in)
Minimum tank
20 L (5 US gal)
Temperature
22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–12 dGH (89–214 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Occurs in small rivers and brooks in the swampy rainforests of the coastal plains. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Not a seasonal killifish. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Micropanchax macrophthalmus
Family
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 12 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: southern Benin, southern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. Togo.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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