Variable Lampeye (Procatopus similis) Care Guide
Procatopus similis is an African lampeye killifish from forest streams of Nigeria and Cameroon, reaching about 6 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Procatopus similis, the variable lampeye, is an African lampeye killifish of the family Procatopodidae. FishBase records a maximum size of 6.0 cm total length. Males display variable coloration with light olive to grey bodies and colourful unpaired fins, while females are semi-translucent grey or pale olive; both sexes show an orange-reflecting iris.
Taxonomy
- Family: Procatopodidae
- Genus: Procatopus
- Scientific name: Procatopus similis
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs on the coastal plain of southern Nigeria and west and east Cameroon, southward to the Lokundjé River. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of small rivers and brooks, mainly in the streaming parts on sedimentary soils within coastal-plain rainforest and secondary forest. FishBase lists wild parameters of 24–26 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and dH 5–12.
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
The species requires well-oxygenated, gently flowing water reflecting its forest-stream origin. The aquarium ranges above derive from the verified KB record and sit within the wild parameters reported by FishBase.
Diet
Procatopus similis 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 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 12 September 2019, per FishBase).
Procatopus similis Breeding Guide
Overview
Procatopus similis is an African lampeye (family Procatopodidae) from southern Nigeria and west and east Cameroon south to the Lokundje, where FishBase records it from small rivers and brooks in streaming areas. It is a non-seasonal, shoaling killifish; killi.co.uk reports it best kept in groups of eight or more, for example three males and five females.
Sexing
Males are the more colourful sex with the metallic blue eye-stripe and shimmering scales; killi.co.uk describes males performing a peacock-like courtship dance, following the female and spreading their fins, while females are plainer.
Conditioning
Condition adults on small live and frozen foods in well-oxygenated, slightly flowing water; FishBase lists pH 6.0-8.0 and 24-26 C, while killi.co.uk describes breeding in moderately soft, acidic water at 20-23 C with substantial water movement.
Breeding Setup
This is a crevice-spawner, so provide narrow gaps: killi.co.uk notes that the eggs are pushed into small crevices rather than deposited on mops or peat. Bogwood fragments, filter foam or small immobile rocks supply suitable slots, and strong sponge-filter flow is essential.
Spawning Behaviour & Trigger
After the male's courtship dance, the pair work the crevices and the eggs are wedged inside to avoid predation. killi.co.uk notes that providing airflow during hatching improves success and reduces belly sliders.
Egg & Fry Care
killi.co.uk gives an incubation of about 14-21 days. Young fish readily take live or frozen baby brine shrimp from hatching and should be moved to a grow-out tank with strong sponge-filter flow, as the fry shoal immediately and prefer swimming directly in the current.
Common Challenges
killi.co.uk rates breeding as average difficulty, with poor egg production the main challenge. Belly sliders are reduced by maintaining airflow over the eggs, and both adults and fry require substantial water movement to thrive.