Norman's Lampeye (Poropanchax normani)

Poropanchax normani is a small lampeye — a group of small West African killifish relatives in the family Poeciliidae characterized by their highly reflective, iridescent eyes — native to the coastal river systems, swamps, and standing waters of West Africa, from Sierra Leone east through Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo to Nigeria. The species was named in honor of John Roxborough Norman, a British ichthyologist.

Reaching only 2.5–3 cm in length, Norman's Lampeye is a genuinely micro fish. The body is pale silver-translucent, nearly colorless in standard aquarium lighting, but the large eye displays a brilliant iridescent blue-white or silver reflection — the characteristic that gives all lampeyes their group name and most of their visual appeal. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins may show subtle pale edging.

In the wild, Norman's Lampeye inhabits slow-moving to still, slightly acidic to neutral coastal lowland waters with dense aquatic vegetation, overhanging riparian plants, and warm temperatures year-round. They form loose schools near the water surface and feed primarily on small invertebrates, insects, and organic particles at or near the surface.

In the aquarium, groups of Norman's Lampeyes swimming together create a charmingly subtle display — the collective flash of iridescent eyes as they move is more beautiful than any single description conveys.

Norman's Lampeyes prefer soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 dGH, and temperatures 22–28°C. They are moderately sensitive to water quality and benefit from stable, well-maintained aquarium conditions.

A minimum 30-liter aquarium suits a group of 10–15 well. Dense surface plantings (floating plants: Salvinia, Frogbit) and fine-leaved stem plants create the surface-oriented habitat they prefer. Very gentle filtration — sponge filters are ideal. Dim lighting suits them and prevents the stress of excessive bright light.

Feed micro-sized foods: nano pellets, baby brine shrimp nauplii, micro worms, daphnia, and crushed flake. Their small mouths require small food particles. Feed near or at the surface where they spend most of their time. Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.

Norman's Lampeyes are entirely peaceful and suitable with other small, gentle species: small Boraras, small Corydoras, small shrimp, and other nano fish of similar size. Avoid any fish large enough to consume them.

Keep in groups of at least 10 — larger groups of 15–20 produce more impressive collective eye-flash displays. Water changes of 20–25% twice weekly maintain the water quality this sensitive species needs.