poropanchax macrophthalmus

• Family: Procatopodidae (African lampeyes) 
• Common names: neon stripe lampeye
• Size: ~3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) 
• Origin: West Africa (Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon region) 
• Lifespan: ~3–5 years with good care 

Natural Habitat

• Slow-moving streams and rivers with vegetation 
• Clean, well-oxygenated water
• Often found in shallow, plant-heavy areas

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Appearance

• Slender, semi-transparent body
• Iridescent blue/green horizontal striping
• Distinctive “lampeye” effect — reflective bright blue spot on the eye
• Males are more colorful with red/blue highlights

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Behavior

• Peaceful schooling fish 
• Best kept in groups of 6+ (ideally 10+)
• Occupies upper/mid water column
• Can be shy if kept in small numbers

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Aquarium Care

Tank Setup

• Minimum: ~10–20 gallons (bigger for schools)
• Dense planting + open swimming area
• Dark substrate helps bring out colors
• Tight lid, they can jump 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) 
• pH: ~6.0–7.5 (tolerant up to ~8) 
• Hardness: Soft to moderate
• Sensitive to ammonia/nitrite → stable tanks only

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Feeding

• Small live or frozen foods:
  • Daphnia
  • Cyclops
  • Baby brine shrimp
• Will accept crushed flake/micro pellets 

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Tank Mates

 Good with:

• Small rasboras
• dwarf tetras
• peaceful bottom dwellers (Corydoras, small loaches)

 Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish
• fin-nippers

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Breeding

• Egg scatterer
• Deposits eggs on plants/mops 
• Fry hatch in a few days and need infusoria/baby brine shrimp

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• Tiny, peaceful schooling nano fish
• Best in planted, stable aquariums
• Stunning “glowing eye” effect under good lighting
• Great for aquascapes or nano community setups