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Moero lampeye (Lacustricola moeruensis) — Poeciliidae

Moero lampeye

Lacustricola moeruensis
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Moero lampeye (Lacustricola moeruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central and southern Africa; shallow, swampy parts of lakes and river drainages.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Mweru lampeye is a small killifish of the family Poeciliidae (lampeye toothcarps) from Central and southern Africa. The species grows to only about 4 cm and is notable for the shining, reflective upper part of its eyes, which gives lampeyes their name. It inhabits shallow, swampy parts of lakes and river drainages. Unlike the true seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species. It lives in schools just below the water surface and feeds on small zooplankton, insects and small invertebrates. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moero lampeye?

The Moero lampeye has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Glossy, reflective upper side of the eyes (lampeye); surface schooling fish.

Where does the Moero lampeye live?

The Moero lampeye lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central and southern Africa; shallow, swampy parts of lakes and river drainages.

How big does the Moero lampeye get?

The Moero lampeye grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Moero lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Moero lampeye is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Moero lampeye edible?

The Moero lampeye is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Moero lampeye verified
Scientific name
Lacustricola moeruensis
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Mweru lampeye verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 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
Natural range
Central and southern Africa; shallow, swampy parts of lakes and river drainages. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insects and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling 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, reflective upper side of the eyes (lampeye); surface schooling fish. 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
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lacustricola

More from the family Poeciliidae

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