| Family: |
Procatopodidae (African lampeyes), subfamily: Procatopodinae |
| Max. size: |
5.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.19999980926514, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Cross River in southwestern Cameroon (Ref. 31267, 57259) and smaller coastal flowing rivers, Niger and Benue Rivers in south-central and southern Nigeria (Ref. 7372, 57259). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 15-17. Diagnosis: Larger-sized ‘Lampeye’ species; males usually with an extension at the upper corner of the caudal fin; sometimes with extended rays in the unpaired fins; ventral fins inserted distinctly behind pectorals; dorsal fin with 8-10 rays; anal fin with 15-17 rays; scales on mid-lateral series 27-33 (Ref. 57259).
Colouration: Male colouration: variable in colouration; basic colour light grey to light olive, dorsal area darker, ventral area light to almost white; on the sides strong light blue-green to light blue reflections, not arranged in bands, but covering the entire sides; the unpaired fins may vary from colourless, through pale blue to orange or pink, sometimes provided with red spots; the margins at the unpaired fins are usually red or pink, but sometimes black; a white outer margin may be present in the lower caudal fin; the caudal fin extensions are usually white (Ref. 57259). Female colouration: pale, semi-transparent grey or olive; some pale silvery reflections may be present on the sides; the fins are all colourless (Ref. 57259). Both sexes show an orange reflective spot in the upper part of the eye iris (Ref. 57259). |
| Biology: |
Found in small rivers and brooks under forest cover and in the forested savannah on soils of basal origin; usually
swimming in schools in the streaming parts of the creeks (Ref. 57259). Not a seasonal killifish. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 September 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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