Edit Procatopus nototaenia

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Name

Scientific name

Procatopus nototaenia

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Poeciliidae

Common names

Large-finned Lampeye

Photograph credits

All 3 credited

Summary

The large-finned lampeye, Procatopus nototaenia, is a killifish thought to be endemic to the Lobi and Kienke river basins in southwestern C…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

60mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–25°C, pH 5.8–7.5

Hardness

1–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Not recorded

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Thought to be endemic to the Lobi and Kienke river basins in southwestern Cameroon.

Habitat

Usually found in shady forest streams with clear, moderately flowing water. These typically exhibit lush marginal plant growth with lots of overhanging cover.

Aquarium size

Given its active nature a tank measuring at least 60 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm - ~54 litres is recommended to house a small group.

Maintenance

This species does well in heavily-planted aquaria in which the growth of aquatic plants provides plenty of shaded areas. The addition of some floating vegetati…

Water conditions

Temperature: Prefers slightly cooler water in the range 68 - 77°F (20 - 25°C). pH: Supposed to be an acidophile but we know of at least one aquarist who has sp…

Diet

The upturned mouth and keeled body shape suggest that this species feeds primarily on small invertebrates taken from the water surface in nature. In the aquari…

Behaviour and compatibility

This species does well in a community of other peaceful species that enjoy similar conditions. In an African-themed stream tank suitable tankmates include Ales…

This species does well in a community of other peaceful species that enjoy similar conditions. In an African-themed stream tank suitable tankmates include Alestiid characins such as Alestopetersius caudalis or Ladigesia roloffi, African Garra species, smaller Mochokid catfish and reophilic cichlids such as Steatocranus. It will also do well alongside smaller danionins, hill stream loaches, many South American characins and smaller Loricariids.

Don't keep it with any much larger or more vigorous fish as it is fairly shy and will easily be outcompeted for food. Similarly the elegant finnage of adult males can prove very tempting to any species that have a reputation for nipping fins. It's a schooling species by nature and looks far more impressive when maintained in groups so always buy a minimum of 6-8 specimens. Try to get a mixture of males and females as the males will exhibit more intense colouration in the presence of the opposite sex.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger and much more colourful than females, which are a relatively plain silvery colour. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins of the male also become el…

Reproduction

For breeding purposes a bare, gently filtered tank with dim lighting is all that is needed. Like other Procatopus, this species follows a strategy of breeding …

Notes

The genus Procatopus currently comprises half a dozen members (P. aberrans, P. lambertii, P. nimbaensis, P. nototaenia, P. schioetzi and P. similis), all of wh…

References

No references

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References