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Bluegreen lampeye (Procatopus aberrans) — Poeciliidae

Bluegreen lampeye

Procatopus aberrans
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluegreen lampeye (Procatopus aberrans) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

Description

The bluegreen lampeye is a small egg-laying fish of the family Procatopodidae from West Africa. The species owes its name to the shining, blue-green eye ring that glows in the light. The body is slender and iridescent and reaches only about 5 cm. The fish lives in schools in the flowing parts of small forest streams under the canopy. The diet consists of small invertebrates and insects taken near the surface. Unlike many related killifishes this is not a seasonal killifish; in the aquarium it is difficult to keep.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluegreen lampeye?

The Bluegreen lampeye has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bluegreen lampeye live?

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

How big does the Bluegreen lampeye get?

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

Is the Bluegreen lampeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluegreen lampeye is harmless to humans.

Is the Bluegreen lampeye edible?

The Bluegreen lampeye is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwgroene lampoogje sourced
English name
Bluegreen lampeye verified
Scientific name
Procatopus aberrans
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked 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
Schooling 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 Procatopus

More from the family Poeciliidae

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