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Bitschumbi lampeye (Lacustricola vitschumbaensis) — Procatopodidae

Bitschumbi lampeye

Lacustricola vitschumbaensis
LC · Least Concern

The Bitschumbi lampeye (Lacustricola vitschumbaensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Procatopodidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Vitschumba lampeye is a small killifish of the African lampeye family (Procatopodidae) from East Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres and owes its name to the shiny, light-reflecting upper rim of the eye, characteristic of lampeyes. It inhabits swamps, shallows and shore regions of Lakes Edward and George, and the shore regions and papyrus swamps in the northern part of Lake Victoria. Unlike many killifishes it is not a seasonal fish. It hunts small zooplankton and insects just below the surface. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bitschumbi lampeye?

The Bitschumbi lampeye has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bitschumbi lampeye live?

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

How big does the Bitschumbi lampeye get?

The Bitschumbi lampeye grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Bitschumbi lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Bitschumbi lampeye is harmless to humans.

Is the Bitschumbi lampeye edible?

The Bitschumbi lampeye is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vitschumba-lampoogje sourced
English name
Bitschumbi lampeye verified
Scientific name
Lacustricola vitschumbaensis
Family
Procatopodidae sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No 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 Lacustricola

More from the family Procatopodidae

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