Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Procatopus nototaenia
Aberrans procatopus
Procatopus plumosis
Common name
Large Finned Lampeye
Origin
Origin: Cameroon, Nigeria
Biotope: Not specific
Dimorphism
The male is larger than the female, with blue flanks, red back line and odd yellow or reddish fins with red spots (the female's fins are transparent). The caudal fin is straight in the male, rounded in the female.
Group
Nothobranchiidae
Volume
80 L / 18 imp gal / 21 US gal
Parameters
T°: 22 to 24°C or 72 to 75°F
pH: 6 to 6.5
Hardness: 1 to 3°dGH
Difficulty
Average
Size
5 to 6cm (2 to 2.4")
Longevity
2 to 3 years
Living zone
Middle and Top
Individuals
10
Food
Food
How to feed the Large Finned Lampeye?
In nature, it feeds on small insects on the surface of the water, as evidenced by its funny inverted mouth. In captivity, you can offer him tubiflex, mosquito larvae, mud worms, chironomids, Grindal worms, artemia or daphnia. Prefer live prey, or if not possible frozen prey.
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Large Finned Lampeye have?
Generally speaking, this killi is rather shy and fearful.
Relationships between members of this species are good as long as the volume is sufficient. In an aquarium that is too small, males can inflict serious injuries on each other.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Large Finned Lampeye?
It is necessary to keep Procatopus nototaenia in groups of at least 10 individuals (same number of males and females). It has been observed that fish isolated or kept in small numbers with a greatly reduced lifespan.
Maintenance in a specific aquarium is preferable due to the fearful temperament of the species and its water requirements. However, this peaceful fish does not pose a problem of cohabitation in community aquariums. Nevertheless, take into account its shyness and water parameters when choosing good roommates. For example, small, calm Cyprinidae or Characidae are possible.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Large Finned Lampeye?
The reproduction of this species in captivity is possible with a little preparation.
In order to maximize the yield, prepare an aquarium especially dedicated to the breeding of fry. A 60 litre / 13 imp Gal / 16 Us Gal aquarium is sufficient, equipped with a small filter enhancer. The bottom can be left bare to facilitate maintenance. Use floating plants, a very contoured bog root and flat stones to form a multitude of slits and cavities. Create a gentle stream of water. Recommended water parameters: temperature at 24/25°C (75/77°F), pH at 6.5, hardness at 1/3°dGH . The water must be new.
Isolate a trio of spawners in this aquarium (1 male and 2 females) for about 10 days and stimulate spawning by feeding them generously. An increase of a few degrees in temperature also encourages the fish to spawn. Remove the parents once spawning is finished and treat the eggs with methylene blue.
The eggs are yellowish, very sticky and 1.5 mm in diameter. Incubation takes between 10 and 20 days depending on the temperature. The young grow slowly and will reach sexual maturity after six months.
Fry feeding: infusoriate and after 4 days move on to the artemia nauplia.
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Large Finned Lampeye?
In the wild, this killi lives in shady streams with clear, slow-moving water.
To recreate similar conditions in your aquarium, use sand or gravel as a substrate, adding smooth, water-worn rocks. Supplement with twigs and driftwood branches to complete the illusion of a clear stream.
An important criterion of well-being for this fish is a well planted environment. For this, Java moss is particularly appreciated, as well as Anubias or Bolbitis. In addition to the dense vegetation that you will install, think of floating plants that dim the light and are very much appreciated. Still leave some space for free swimming.
Like many Killi, this fish is a good jumper and it is imperative that you cover your aquarium and protect your lighting system.
This species is quite sensitive to environmental pollution. To keep the water clear and clean, make water changes between 15 and 25% every week. In the same vein, choose a filter with a flow rate of at least twice the volume of the tank per hour.
Yours photos!
Comments
Sort by:
Please login to post comments