Dwarf Lampeye (Lacustricola pumilus) Care Guide
Lacustricola pumilus is a small East African lampeye from the Lake Tanganyika drainage, suited to peaceful nano community aquariums.
Overview
Lacustricola pumilus is a small East African lampeye killifish associated with the Lake Tanganyika drainage. FishBase records a maximum of about 5.5 cm total length. It occurs in small groups near river banks in slow-flowing and stagnant waters and is reported as easy to maintain in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Procatopodidae
- Genus: Lacustricola
- Scientific name: Lacustricola pumilus
- Common synonyms: Tanganyika Lampeye
Habitat
The species inhabits Lake Tanganyika and its associated drainages in Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, including the Lubalaye, Malagarazi and Rusizi rivers. It is found in rivers and river mouths, coastal swamps, estuaries and shallow parts of the lake. Records from other Great Lakes are considered misidentifications.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (11 gal)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- School size: at least 8 individuals
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
Lacustricola pumilus is omnivorous. FishBase records natural foods including algae, fish scales, termites, chironomid larvae, prawns and copepods. In the aquarium it accepts small dried foods together with live and frozen items sized for a small mouth.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful surface-dwelling species that should be kept in a group of at least eight. Suitable companions are other small, non-aggressive fish such as small tetras and rasboras; larger or aggressive species should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is an egg-scatterer. FishBase notes that eggs develop in about 14 days in captivity and that sexual maturity is reached at around five months of age.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2016). It is used in the aquarium trade.