Emerald Green Lampeye

The Emerald Green Lampeye, scientifically known as Poropanchax luxophthalmus, is a small and elegant killifish native to slow-moving streams, rivers, and floodplains across West and Central Africa, including Nigeria. It is prized in the aquarium hobby for its peaceful temperament, shimmering emerald-green iridescence, and the brilliant blue-green reflective “lampeye” spot above the iris.

Adult Emerald Green Lampeyes typically reach about 1.2 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm) in length. They have a slender, translucent body with a silvery-green sheen and an unmistakable emerald-blue reflective spot on the upper part of each eye. Males are generally slimmer, may show subtle blue or turquoise highlights along the body and fins, and sometimes have slightly elongated dorsal and anal fin rays. Females are rounder and less intensely colored but still display the signature “lampeye.”

A tank of at least 10 gallons is suitable for a small group. Emerald Green Lampeyes are peaceful and do best in groups of eight or more, where they display natural shoaling behavior and increased activity. The aquarium should be well planted, with a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, dense or floating vegetation, and gentle filtration to mimic their natural habitat and diffuse the lighting.

Water parameters should include a temperature range of 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C), a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. They thrive in stable, clean water with regular partial changes.

Feeding Poropanchax luxophthalmus is easy, as they are micropredators and will accept a variety of foods. Offer high-quality micro pellets or flakes as a staple, and supplement with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to enhance color and health.

Emerald Green Lampeyes are peaceful and make excellent tankmates for other small, gentle species such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, or dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish.

Breeding the Emerald Green Lampeye is possible in captivity. They are egg scatterers and will deposit eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation, and feed the fry infusoria or newly hatched baby brine shrimp once free-swimming.

Poropanchax luxophthalmus (Emerald Green Lampeye) is a lively, shimmering species that brings subtle color, movement, and gentle behavior to nano, planted, or West African biotope aquariums.