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Zebra lampeye (Hypsopanchax zebra) — Poeciliidae

Zebra lampeye

Hypsopanchax zebra
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Zebra lampeye (Hypsopanchax zebra) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The lampeye is a small lampeye (Procatopodidae) from West-Central Africa. The species is small and has a slender, translucent body with fine dark crossbars and the iridescent upper eye typical of lampeyes. It lives in schools in small forest brooks and rivers, usually moderate to fast-flowing water under forest cover. At the surface it snaps at small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zebra lampeye?

The Zebra lampeye has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Zebra lampeye live?

The Zebra lampeye lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Zebra lampeye get?

The Zebra lampeye grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Zebra lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Zebra lampeye is harmless to humans.

Is the Zebra lampeye edible?

The Zebra lampeye is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zebra-lampoogje sourced
English name
Zebra lampeye verified
Scientific name
Hypsopanchax zebra
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hypsopanchax

More from the family Poeciliidae

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