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Freshwater   Fishes

Large Finned Lampeye
(Procatopus nototaenia)

Large Finned Lampeye

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Procatopus nototaenia
Aberrans procatopus
Procatopus plumosis

Common name
Large Finned Lampeye

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Cameroon, Nigeria
Biotope: Not specific

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

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

Group

Nothobranchiidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

80 L / 18 imp gal / 21 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 22 to 24°C or 72 to 75°F
pH: 6 to 6.5
Hardness: 1 to 3°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

5 to 6cm (2 to 2.4")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

2 to 3 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and Top

Individuals

sociability of the species

10

Food

How to feed the Large Finned Lampeye?

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

What kind of behavior does the Large Finned Lampeye have?

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

Who can live with the Large Finned Lampeye?

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

How to breed the Large Finned Lampeye?

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

Which aquarium for the Large Finned Lampeye?

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.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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