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Cabinda lampeye (Plataplochilus cabindae) — Poeciliidae

Cabinda lampeye

Plataplochilus cabindae
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Cabinda lampeye (Plataplochilus cabindae) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Coastal rivers of West-Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Plataplochilus cabindae is a small lampeye killifish of the family Poeciliidae from coastal rivers of West-Central Africa, including Cabinda and the Congo region. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a slender body with the shining upper eye characteristic of lampeyes. It inhabits small rivers, brooks and swamps in rainforest areas. It is not a seasonal killifish. As a surface fish it feeds on small zooplankton and insect larvae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value; in the aquarium it is very difficult to maintain.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cabinda lampeye?

The Cabinda lampeye has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Glossy upper part of the eye (lampeye); inhabitant of small rainforest streams.

Where does the Cabinda lampeye live?

The Cabinda lampeye lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Coastal rivers of West-Central Africa.

How big does the Cabinda lampeye get?

The Cabinda lampeye grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Cabinda lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Cabinda lampeye is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Cabinda lampeye edible?

The Cabinda lampeye is not usually eaten.

More photos

Cabinda lampeye (Plataplochilus cabindae) — Poeciliidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) joe_cutler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Cabinda lampeye sourced
Scientific name
Plataplochilus cabindae
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Coastal rivers of West-Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Glossy upper part of the eye (lampeye); inhabitant of small rainforest streams. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plataplochilus

More from the family Poeciliidae

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