TankBud

Blackspot lampeye

Poropanchax stigmatopygus

Also known as Stigmatopygus lampeye, Black spot blue lampeye killifish

FreshwaterFish

Blackspot lampeye (Poropanchax stigmatopygus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
1.2 in
3 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Egg depositor · Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Procatopodidae
Origin
Chad and Niger savanna waters

Overview

The blackspot lampeye is one of the smallest lampeyes, a gentle schooling fish for the middle of a quiet, densely planted nano tank. It takes a little more care than a beginner fish.

Did you know

Some sellers list the blackspot lampeye as the anus spot lampeye. That blunt name is an accurate translation of stigmatopygus, which points to the small dark mark just above the vent.

Caring for the blackspot lampeye

Blackspot lampeyes settle well as a group in 11 gal (40 L) or more, with soft light and gentle flow. A dark substrate, dense fine-leaved planting and calm, well-filtered water bring out the blue eye shine and thin body lines.

Aim for soft to neutral water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed very fine foods, such as crushed flake, micro pellets and powdered fry food. Add small live or frozen daphnia and cyclops.

Keep them in a group of ten or more, so they feel secure and stay out in the open. Only the calmest, tiniest tank mates suit them, such as small rasboras or dwarf shrimp. Anything pushy will keep them hidden.

Blackspot lampeyes are continuous plant spawners, depositing a few eggs a day among fine plants or a mop over a long period. Breeding is moderately difficult, and the minute fry need infusoria-sized food before they can take newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

The blackspot lampeye, Poropanchax stigmatopygus, is a true micro fish in the family Procatopodidae. It carries three fine blue lines along each flank.

In the wild

The blackspot lampeye comes from slow, weedy savanna waters of the Chad basin and nearby drainages. It lives in shallow pools and channels that are warmed by the sun and thick with vegetation.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The blackspot lampeye is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a blackspot lampeye need?

A blackspot lampeye needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a blackspot lampeye need?

A blackspot lampeye is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a blackspot lampeye eat?

A blackspot lampeye eats very fine foods, such as crushed flake, micro pellets and powdered fry food. It also takes small live or frozen daphnia and cyclops.

How big does a blackspot lampeye get?

An adult blackspot lampeye reaches about 1.2 in (3 cm).

Does a blackspot lampeye need a group?

Yes. A blackspot lampeye is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does a blackspot lampeye breed?

Blackspot lampeyes deposit a few eggs a day among fine plants or a mop over a long period. Breeding them is moderately difficult, and the minute fry need infusoria-sized food at first.

Related species