Norman's Lampeye
Also known as: Lamprichthys tanganicanus
Norman's Lampeye (Lamprichthys tanganicanus) is a small, peaceful killifish endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. The Norman's Lampeye originates from Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, reaches Adult size: 6-8 cm in captivity, typically lives 3-5 years, and is kept at 23-27°C (73-81°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Lake Tanganyika, East Africa
- Adult size
- Adult size: 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches)
- Life span
- 3-5 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful and shy; best kept in groups of 6+; non-aggressive toward tankmates
- Tank size
- Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons) for a small group
- Water temp
- 23-27°C (73-81°F)
- pH range
- pH 7.8-9.0
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates, zooplankton, and algae in the wild; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and daphnia in captivity
- Other names
- Lamprichthys tanganicanus
About the Norman's Lampeye
Norman's Lampeye (Lamprichthys tanganicanus) is a small, peaceful killifish endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is named for the distinctive reflective patch above its eyes, which glows like a lampeye under aquarium lighting. Males display subtle iridescent blue-green hues along the flanks, while females are more subdued in coloration. This species thrives in well-oxygenated, alkaline water with strong currents and prefers to inhabit the middle to upper water layers.
Lifespan and health
With optimal care, Norman's Lampeye typically lives 3–5 years, though exceptional specimens may reach 6 years in pristine conditions; longevity is heavily influenced by water stability, diet quality, and low stress from overcrowding or incompatible tankmates. Common health issues include fungal infections (often from poor water quality or injury), parasitic infestations like Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) if new fish are not quarantined, and swim bladder disorders from overfeeding or low-fiber diets; preventative measures include maintaining strict water parameters, quarantining new arrivals for 2–4 weeks, and offering a balanced diet with occasional blanched zucchini or spirulina to support digestive health.
Overview
Norman's Lampeye (Lamprichthys tanganicanus) is a small, peaceful killifish endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is named for the distinctive reflective patch above its eyes, which glows like a lampeye under aquarium lighting. Males display subtle iridescent blue-green hues along the flanks, while females are more subdued in coloration. This species thrives in well-oxygenated, alkaline water with strong currents and prefers to inhabit the middle to upper water layers.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a sandy substrate with scattered rocks and driftwood to mimic Lake Tanganyika’s littoral zone; provide dense planting with hardy species like Vallisneria or Anubias near the surface for cover, but leave open swimming space. A gentle to moderate flow is essential, achieved via a sponge filter or small powerhead directed along the tank length. Water parameters must be strictly maintained: pH 7.8–9.0, hardness 10–20 dGH, and zero ammonia/nitrite; perform 25% weekly water changes to prevent nitrate buildup. Feeding should occur 2–3 times daily with small portions of varied diet—prioritize live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia 3–4 times weekly to enhance coloration and vitality, supplementing with high-protein flakes or micro pellets.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Norman's Lampeye, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.