Norman’s lampeye (Aplocheilichthys normani) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish that is native to the island of Madagascar. They are a member of the Aplocheilidae family, which contains over 60 species of lampeye.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Norman’s lampeye care. You’ll learn about their diet, size, lifespan, and more!
Table of contents
Species overview
Norman’s lampeye (Aplocheilichthys normani) is a small freshwater fish that is found in West Africa. It is named after the French ichthyologist Léon Vaillant.
This fish is found in fast-moving streams with a lot of vegetation. They are very peaceful and can be kept with a wide variety of tank mates.
The main draw of Norman’s lampeye is its bright blue color. This really makes them stand out in most freshwater aquariums and means this fish will likely be a popular choice for years to come.
Appearance
The most notable feature on this fish is the large “eye” that’s actually its scales. This scale covers the entire eye and helps protect it from predators.
This eye is set rather far back on the head which gives the Norman’s Lampeye a bit of a dopey look.
The body of this fish is long and thin with a slightly flattened appearance. The dorsal fin starts about three-quarters of the way back and is tall and thin.
The anal fin is about the same size as the dorsal fin and is also tall and thin. Both of these fins have a long thin strand of tissue at the end.
The caudal fin is forked and symmetrical.
The pectoral fins are small and thin.
The ventral fins are also small and thin and begin a little more than halfway down the body.
Norman’s Lampeye are a silver color with a few dark spots. The spots are more pronounced on the upper half of the body and get lighter towards the belly.
Lifespan
Norman’s lampeye have a lifespan of around 2 years. However, their life expectancy can be greatly increased if they’re given the proper care.
Some of the things that can impact their lifespan include the quality of their water, their diet, and the level of care they receive.
Size
Around 2 inches
The Norman’s lampeye is a small, peaceful fish that is well suited for life in a community aquarium. These pretty little fish are easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended tank size for Norman’s lampeye is at least 10 gallons.
Water Parameters
The Norman’s Lampeye is a relatively peaceful fish that does well in a community tank. They are best kept in pairs or in small groups. They are not aggressive fish, but they may nip at the fins of long-finned fish.
Norman’s Lampeye prefer an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate. The aquarium should be well-oxygenated and have a moderate water flow.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 72-79° F (22-26° C)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 5-20 dGH
- Alkalinity: 3-10 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
Norman’s lampeye are a small species of fish that come from Africa. In the wild, they are found in slow-moving rivers and streams.
When setting up an aquarium for them, you want to recreate this environment as best as possible.
The first thing you need to do is choose the right size tank. These fish only grow to be about 2 inches long, so a 10-gallon tank is more than enough.
The next thing you need to do is add some plants. These fish like to have plenty of hiding spots, so we recommend adding a lot of plants. Java moss, hornwort, and water wisteria are all great choices.
The substrate you use is also important. These fish like to burrow, so a soft substrate like sand is a good choice.
You also need to make sure you include some driftwood or rocks in their tank. These fish like to have plenty of places to hide, so these decorations are a must.
Finally, you need to add a filter to their tank. A sponge filter is a good choice for this species.
Common Diseases
The Norman’s Lampeye is a hardy fish that doesn’t get sick often. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this species.
The most common disease is ich. This is a parasitic infection that manifests as white spots on the body, fins, and gills of the fish.
If left untreated, ich can be fatal. However, it is fairly easy to treat with medication available at your local fish store.
Another disease that can affect the Norman’s Lampeye is hole-in-the-head disease. This is a condition that is caused by poor water quality and the presence of activated carbon in the tank.
This disease manifests as one or two pits/holes in the skin of the fish’s head. While it is almost always curable, it will usually leave some scarring on the fish.
The best way to prevent these diseases is to maintain the water quality in the tank. A tank with clean and stable water conditions will lead to healthier fish who are more resistant to disease.
Behavior & Temperament
Lampeye killifish are peaceful and make good tank mates for other peaceful fish. They are not demanding and are easy to care for.
Lampeye killifish are not shy and are often seen out in the open. They are not territorial and do not bother other fish.
Lampeye killifish are not fussy eaters and will accept most aquarium foods.
Tank Mates
Norman’s lampeye are a schooling species, so they should be kept in groups of 5 or more. They are generally peaceful, although they may nip at the fins of long-finned tank mates.
Good tank mates for Norman’s lampeye include:
- Tetras
- Danios
- Rasboras
- Other peaceful, small fish
Breeding
Norman’s lampeye is a fairly easy fish to breed in captivity. They are egg-layers, and the fry are easy to raise.
To start, you will need a breeding tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. The tank should have plenty of live plants, as the fry will need somewhere to hide. You should also add a fine mesh over the top of the tank to keep the fry from getting out.
The water temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should be between 6.8 and 7.2. The water should be fairly soft, with a hardness of no more than 10 dGH.
When choosing your fish, it is best to select two females for every male. This will help to prevent aggression.
To trigger spawning, you should do a large water change of at least 50 percent. This will simulate the rainy season, which is when Norman’s lampeye typically spawns in the wild.
Once the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will do so on the plants in the tank. The male will then fertilize them. Once the eggs are fertilized, the male will stay close by to protect them.
The eggs will hatch in about three days. At this point, you can remove the adults from the tank. The fry will feed on microscopic organisms in the water for the first few days. After that, you can start to feed them baby brine shrimp.
Conclusion
The Norman’s Lampeye is a great fish for beginners and experienced fish keepers alike. They are relatively easy to care for and are a beautiful addition to any aquarium.
While they are a peaceful fish, they can be aggressive towards other fish that have similar body shapes. It is important to research what fish are compatible with Norman’s Lampeye before adding them to your tank.
Overall, we think the Norman’s Lampeye is a great fish for anyone looking for a new addition to their aquarium!
