Variable Lampeye Moliwe (Procatopus similis 'Moliwe')
| Variable Lampeye Moliwe Procatopus similis 'Moliwe' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Variable Lampeye Moliwe |
| Name Lat. | Procatopus similis 'Moliwe' |
| Family | African Lampeyes |
| Family lat. | Procatopodidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | Nigeria, Cameroon |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-7 cm |
| Temperature | 20-25 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 68-77 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Variable Luminous Eyefish are distributed in the coastal plain of southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon to the Lokundje River. They live in the clear waters of small, plant- and oxygen-rich rivers and streams of rainforests and secondary forests with dense, overhanging riparian vegetation. Several different colored site variants are known.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense marginal planting and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate, shaded light (floating plants) and a moderate current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on small insects on the water surface, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micropellets) and with cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, fruit flies, fruit flies, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are swimming, peaceful fish and should be kept in a group or in a small school. They can be well socialized with other calm and not too large fish. At least 8-15 animals should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The slightly larger males are more intensely colored than the more colorless females, which have transparent fins.
Reproduction and breeding
They are permanent spawners and do not engage in brood care. The females lay their yellowish eggs in small crevices of branches, roots or the like. The fry hatch after 10-14 days and swim at the water surface in the current
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (infusoria, Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The food is gladly taken from the water surface. They are good jumpers, accordingly, the aquarium must be well covered
Different site variants should not be kept together, because they can cross (hybridize).
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; RADDA & PÜRZL (1983): Killifische aus aller Welt, Band 3, Verlag Otto Hoffmann; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF