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Loeme lampeye (Plataplochilus loemensis) — Poeciliidae

Loeme lampeye

Plataplochilus loemensis
Family: Poeciliidae

The Loeme lampeye (Plataplochilus loemensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Gabon

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Description

The Loeme lampeye is a lampeye (Procatopodidae) from slow-flowing streams, pools and swamps of western Central Africa. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent body with a strikingly bright, blue-green glowing eye-ring. As a social, surface-oriented fish it swims in schools and snaps at mosquito larvae, small plankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Loeme lampeye?

The Loeme lampeye has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Loeme lampeye live?

The Loeme lampeye lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Gabon

How big does the Loeme lampeye get?

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

Is the Loeme lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Loeme 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Loeme lampeye sourced
Scientific name
Plataplochilus loemensis
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Gabon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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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