Lampeye Killifish

Distribution:
   The Lampeye Killifish was described by Boulenger in 1913. Their natural range in Africa includes Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria.  They inhabit pools, swamps, shallow waters and drainage ditches.

Status:
   This fish is not listed on the IUCN red list.

Description:
   The body of the Lampeye Killifish is slender and elongated, the dorsal fin is set towards the back half of the body, and the scales are round. The head is flattened on top and the mouth is at the tip, they have no barbels. They have a subdued creamy to light brown coloration that will appear iridescent with good lighting. True to their name, the eyes of the Lampeye Killifish will also shine in good light. A males fins may be slightly more pointed than a females.

Size - Weight:
   This fish can grow up to 1½ inches (3.5 cm).

Care and feeding:
   Lampeye Killifish will eat dried foods but will do best if fed smaller sized fresh or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia.
   Even though they are small, a tank size of at least 20 gallons is recommended and clean water is a must. Though they can be kept in a community setting, like all Killifish they will also do well when kept in a species tank. Provide good filtration and do regular water changes. As with many fish, the lampeyes will do best and are most effectively displayed in tanks which simulate their natural habitat. A dark substrate in a well lit aquarium will showcase this fish best. As they are a bit shy plants will provide hiding places, but leave some open space for swimming.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   This is a species that will swim near the middle of the tank.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temperature: 75 - 84° F (24 - 29 ° C)

Social Behaviors:
   Lampeye Killifish are very peaceful that will do best with other small, peaceful fish. They are schooling fish so they will not do well unless you have 4 or more. As with any schooling fish, the more the merrier so get as many as you can afford.

Sexual Differences:
   They are very difficult to sex. Males may have fins that are slightly more pointed.

Breeding/Reproduction:
  There are reports of this species being spawned in the aquarium but no details are available. If you would like to try to breed them, try methods that have worked with other species of Aplocheilichthys.
   Aplocheilichthys are egg layers that scatters their eggs over fine leaved plants in the wild. They produce eggs that will adhere to the plants. In a tank, the use of a spawning mop will serve the same purpose. These fish can spawn in a species tank or in a breeding tank.
   After the spawn, the spawning mop or plants should be removed or the eggs will be eaten. The eggs will mature in 2 to 4 weeks. The newly hatched fry should be fed infusoria, a liquid fry food, or newly hatched baby brine. Pay close attention when feeding, as foods if uneaten can quickly foul the water. The fry will require clean water to survive.

Availability:
   The  Lampeye Killifish, Aplocheilichthys kingii is rarely available. However other similar species of lampeyes are being bred in Indonesia so you may be able to find something similar.