Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Norman's Lampeye
Poropanchax normani
Also called Norman's lampeye killifish, Aplocheilichthys normani (former name)
From West and Central Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Chad, the Central African Republic and the White Nile in Sudan.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Adults weigh roughly 0.07-0.34 g.
Looks how to spot one
Slender scaled fish
A small, slim killifish with an upward-facing mouth for picking food from the surface, rounded fins set well back on the body, and big eyes with a bright reflective patch on top.2
Personality what they are like
A calm, sociable fish that spends much of its time in the upper water layers, looking most at home in a group.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active near the surface and most busy in the morning and during daylight.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Water around 22-26 C with pH roughly 6.5-7.2. Not a seasonal (annual) killifish, so it lives on year-round in the aquarium.1
Home where they are happiest
A planted tank with calm water suits it, reflecting the vegetated small rivers, brooks and swamps of the savannah where it lives.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Eats small invertebrates such as mosquito larvae and tiny crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium it takes brine shrimp, daphnia, small pellets and crushed flakes.2
Company who they like around
A shoaling fish; keep it in a group.2
The story where it all began
Ernst Ahl described the species in 1928 and named it after British Museum ichthyologist John Roxborough Norman. It was first placed in Aplocheilichthys and later moved to Poropanchax.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Least Concern (assessed 2019).1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norman's Lampeye. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Norman's Lampeye?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily, and it's best to offer only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Norman's Lampeye eat, and what should it never eat?
They enjoy brine shrimp, daphnia, small pellets and crushed flakes. Never feed them anything that could foul the water quickly, like large pieces of food they can't eat.2
How much space does a Norman's Lampeye need?
A planted tank with calm water is ideal, reflecting their natural habitat. The exact tank size varies, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for the best recommendation.12
What temperature, light or water does a Norman's Lampeye need?
Keep water around 22-26°C with a pH of roughly 6.5-7.2. They enjoy calm, planted tanks with gentle lighting, similar to their native savannah streams.12
How often should I clean a Norman's Lampeye's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular water testing is also recommended weekly. Furry Diary plan
Can a Norman's Lampeye live with others?
Yes, they are calm, sociable fish that should be kept in a group (a shoal). They get along well with other peaceful species, but always check with a good breeder for tank mates.2
How long does a Norman's Lampeye live?
They typically live for 3 to 4 years, bringing steady joy to your aquarium.2
Can I handle a Norman's Lampeye?
It's best not to handle them, as they are delicate fish. Enjoy watching them swim near the surface instead.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Poropanchax normani fishbase.seused for size, range, water parameters, IUCN, history
- Wikipedia: Poropanchax normani en.wikipedia.orgused for description, colours, weight, lifespan, diet, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.