Norman’s Lampeye: The Perfect Nano Fish for Your Small Aquarium

Introduction to Norman’s Lampeye

Norman’s Lampeye (Poropanchax normani) is one of those hidden gems that every nano aquarium enthusiast should know about. I’ve been breeding these stunning little fish for over a decade, and they never cease to amaze me with their peaceful nature and striking appearance. These tiny killifish, reaching only about 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) in length, originate from the slow-moving waters and swamps of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, and surrounding regions. Their most distinctive feature is the iridescent blue-green eyes that seem to glow like tiny lamps, which is exactly how they got their common name.

What makes Norman’s Lampeye especially appealing for nano tank owners is their adaptability and peaceful temperament. Unlike some killifish species that can be aggressive or require very specific water parameters, these little beauties are relatively forgiving and make excellent community fish. They spend most of their time in the upper third of the aquarium, creating beautiful displays as they catch the light and flash their metallic scales. In my breeding facility, I’ve found them to be incredibly hardy once properly acclimated, making them suitable even for aquarists who are relatively new to keeping nano fish species.

Ideal Tank Setup and Water Conditions

Setting up the perfect environment for Norman’s Lampeye doesn’t require a massive investment or complicated equipment. A nano tank of just 10 gallons (40 liters) can comfortably house a small group of 6-8 individuals, though I personally prefer giving them at least 15 gallons if space permits. These fish are schooling species and feel much more secure in groups, so never keep them alone or in pairs. The tank should have a tight-fitting lid because lampeyes are excellent jumpers, and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way when I first started keeping them. They’ll find even the smallest gap if they get startled.

The water parameters for Norman’s Lampeye are quite flexible, which is great news for nano aquarium keepers. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, though they can adapt to slightly harder water as well. Temperature should be maintained between 22-26°C (72-79°F), and they appreciate soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH). I recommend including plenty of floating plants like water sprite, salvinia, or dwarf water lettuce, which serve multiple purposes: they diffuse harsh lighting, provide hiding spots, and create the dappled light conditions these fish naturally prefer. Add some fine-leaved plants like java moss or Christmas moss to the lower levels, and perhaps a piece of driftwood or two. The substrate can be dark sand or fine gravel, which really makes their colors pop. Keep the water flow gentle since they come from slow-moving habitats, and maintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes of 20-30% weekly.

Feeding Your Norman’s Lampeye Properly

Proper nutrition is absolutely crucial for keeping Norman’s Lampeye in peak condition, displaying their best colors, and encouraging breeding behavior. In the wild, these micro-predators feed primarily on tiny insects, insect larvae, and zooplankton at the water surface. Their upturned mouths are perfectly designed for surface feeding, so you’ll rarely see them venturing to the bottom of the tank for food. I’ve found that variety is the key to their health and vitality, so rotating between different food types keeps them interested and ensures complete nutrition.

For daily feeding, I strongly recommend using a high-quality nano fish food specifically formulated for small species like lampeyes. The Nano Fish Food Grow Up Meal from NanoFishFood.com is excellent because the particle size is perfectly suited for their small mouths, and it contains the protein levels and micronutrients these active fish need. The pellets float at the surface where lampeyes prefer to feed, and the formula supports healthy growth and vibrant coloration. Beyond prepared foods, supplement their diet 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as:

1. Daphnia (their absolute favorite)
2. Newly hatched brine shrimp
3. Microworms
4. Grindal worms
5. Mosquito larvae (if available)
6. Cyclops

Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily rather than one large feeding. These fish have tiny stomachs and benefit from frequent small meals. Watch carefully during feeding time to ensure all fish are eating, as this is often your first indicator of health problems. A healthy Norman’s Lampeye is always eager to feed and will rush to the surface at feeding time.

Breeding Norman’s Lampeye in Your Aquarium

Breeding Norman’s Lampeye is one of the most rewarding experiences in the nano fishkeeping hobby, and fortunately, it’s quite achievable even for intermediate aquarists. Unlike some killifish that require specific triggers or complicated setups, these lampeyes will spawn readily in well-maintained aquariums with good conditions. The key is providing the right environment and recognizing the subtle signs of breeding behavior. Males can be distinguished from females by their slightly more intense coloration and more pointed anal fins, though the differences are subtle compared to many other species.

To encourage breeding, condition your group with high-quality foods, including plenty of live or frozen options. I’ve noticed that feeding live daphnia for a week or two really gets them in breeding mood. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning hours when the first light hits the tank. The fish will scatter their eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops made from wool yarn. Unlike annual killifish, Norman’s Lampeye eggs don’t need to be dried or specially treated. They hatch in about 10-14 days at 24-25°C. The challenge with breeding lampeyes is that adults will eat their own eggs and fry, so you have two options: either use a separate breeding tank and remove the adults after spawning, or provide extremely dense plant cover (especially floating plants) where fry can hide. I prefer the dense planting method in larger tanks, as it’s more natural and less stressful for the fish. The fry are tiny and need infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days, then can graduate to freshly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed nano fish food. With proper care, you’ll see the characteristic glowing eyes developing within a few weeks, and they’ll reach maturity in about 3-4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Norman’s Lampeye should I keep together?
Always keep them in groups of at least 6 individuals, though 8-10 is better. They’re schooling fish and feel stressed when kept in smaller numbers, which can lead to hiding behavior and reduced lifespan.

Can Norman’s Lampeye live with other nano fish?
Absolutely! They’re peaceful community fish that coexist well with other small, non-aggressive species like ember tetras, chili rasboras, pygmy corydoras, and small shrimp. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or large fish that might see them as food.

Why are my lampeyes hiding all the time?
This usually indicates stress from being kept in too small a group, insufficient plant cover, overly bright lighting without floating plants, or poor water quality. Check your parameters and ensure they have plenty of companions.

What’s the lifespan of Norman’s Lampeye?
With proper care, they typically live 2-3 years, though some individuals may reach 4 years in optimal conditions.

Do they need special lighting?
No special lighting is required, but they prefer subdued lighting created by floating plants. Avoid intense, direct lighting as it makes them uncomfortable and washes out their colors.

Comparison Table: Norman’s Lampeye vs. Other Popular Nano Fish

Conclusion

Norman’s Lampeye truly deserves more recognition in the nano aquarium hobby. These peaceful, beautiful fish bring life and movement to the upper levels of your tank while being relatively easy to care for once you understand their basic needs. Their shimmering eyes and subtle elegance create a mesmerizing display that never gets old, even after years of keeping them. I’ve introduced countless aquarists to this species, and they consistently become favorites in their collections.

If you’re looking to add something special to your nano setup, give Norman’s Lampeye a try. Start with a proper group in a well-planted tank, feed them quality food like the Nano Fish Food Grow Up Meal designed specifically for small species, and maintain stable water conditions. Before long, you might even find yourself with a thriving colony as they breed in your aquarium. These little African gems prove that some of the best things in the aquarium hobby really do come in small packages. Trust me, once you see those glowing eyes catching the light in your tank, you’ll understand why I’ve dedicated so much of my fishkeeping journey to these remarkable nano fish.