Procatopus nototaenia Lampeye Care Guide
Procatopus nototaenia is a Cameroonian forest-stream lampeye killifish reaching about 6 cm, noted as difficult to maintain in aquaria.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Procatopus nototaenia is an African lampeye killifish of the family Procatopodidae. FishBase records a maximum size of 6.0 cm total length and notes that it is not a seasonal killifish. The genus is named for the reflective ring over the eye that gives lampeyes their name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Procatopodidae
- Genus: Procatopus
- Scientific name: Procatopus nototaenia
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Kienke and Lobé systems of southwest Cameroon. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish found in small rivers and brooks under forest cover, mainly in the streaming (flowing) parts. FishBase lists wild parameters of 20–25 °C, pH 6.0–6.5 and dH 1–3.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (about 16 gal)
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 5–15 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
FishBase records natural water as soft and slightly acidic (dH 1–3, pH 6.0–6.5); the aquarium ranges above derive from the verified KB record. The species needs well-oxygenated, gently flowing water reflecting its forest-stream origin.
Diet
Procatopus nototaenia is a carnivore. As a top-dwelling lampeye it takes small invertebrate prey; in aquaria small frozen and live foods are appropriate, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, top-swimming, shoaling species best kept in groups of eight or more. Suitable tankmates include small, calm species such as small tetras and rasboras; aggressive fish should be avoided. FishBase notes the species is very difficult to maintain in aquaria.
Breeding
Reproduction is by egg scattering and is regarded as an intermediate-level challenge. As a non-seasonal killifish it does not require the dry-period diapause of annual species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009, per FishBase).
Procatopus nototaenia Breeding Guide
Overview
Procatopus nototaenia, the large-finned lampeye, is endemic to the Lobi and Kienke river basins in southwestern Cameroon, where Seriously Fish reports it as a shoaling, well-oxygenation-loving killifish of the family Procatopodidae. Males carry the broad unpaired fins that distinguish the species from P. similis.
Sexing
Seriously Fish notes that males are larger and significantly more colourful, with elongated dorsal, anal and caudal fins, while females are a relatively plain silvery colour.
Conditioning
Condition adults on small live and frozen foods. Seriously Fish lists 20-25 C, pH 5.8-7.5 and 1-10 dH for the species; if fish are reluctant to spawn, raising the temperature by a few degrees over several days can help trigger them. Once mature they spawn daily.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish recommends a bare tank with dim lighting and a small air-powered sponge filter for oxygenation and flow. Because this is a crevice-spawner, provide clumps of Java moss, tightly squeezed spawning mops or pieces of bogwood into which the eggs can be wedged.
Spawning Behaviour & Trigger
Seriously Fish describes crevice spawning, in which the eggs are laid in small nooks and crannies to avoid predation. Mature fish spawn daily, so spawning media can be checked and rotated regularly.
Egg & Fry Care
Seriously Fish gives an incubation period of 10-14 days, temperature-dependent. Eggs are transferred to separate containers filled with water from the adult tank; fry first need infusoria-type food, then Artemia nauplii or microworm after three to four days. Fry grow slowly and may adopt a natural head-up posture early on.
Common Challenges
Slow fry growth and the need for steady oxygenation are the main hurdles. Gentle but well-oxygenated flow and a smooth progression of fry foods from infusoria to brine shrimp give the best survival.