LAMP EYE TETRA

The Lamp Eye is a savannah dwelling species known from the heavily vegetated margins of small rivers, brooks, and streams. These diminutive fish are shoaling by nature and are often observed congregating in their thousands. The home aquarium should be biologically mature with high standards of water quality maintained at all times; Lampeyes are a relatively delicate fish and require stable water conditions with plenty of cover in the form of driftwood and plants. Water movement must be kept as gentle as possible, and dark substrate and décor choices will help to bring out the vibrant blue colour in the upper irises of these tiny fish (which, interestingly, is even visible on fry that are just a few days old). Despite the small adult size of these fish, the tank itself should be fairly spacious, as they are an active species, especially when breeding. Lighting should be fairly dim, although brighter lighting can be employed if there is plenty of surface cover in the form of floating plants such as Azolla, Ceratopteris, or Pistia species. Always maintain this peaceful, timid species in good sized groups of at least 10 specimens. Many aquarists like to keep them in a dedicated species-only set-up that is tailored specifically to their needs, but they can be kept alongside other tiny peaceable species such as African Jellybean Tetras (Ladigesia roloffi), Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae), pencilfish, Pygmy Corydoras, Boraras spp., and some of the smaller anabantoids. However, they are not suitable as general community fish as they are easily intimidated and will be predated upon by larger fish. P. normani was formally described by Ahl in 1928 from fish first caught in northern Nigeria, and the species was named in honour of British ichthyologist J. R. Norman. May also be seen on sale as Norman's Lampeye.