Variable lampeye
📖 Overview
Found in small rivers and brooks, mainly in the streaming parts on sedimentary soils; in coastal plain rainforests and secondary forests . Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 13; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 15 - 19. Diagnosis: larger-sized ‘Lampeye’ species with rounded dorsal and anal fin; fin extensions may be present at the upper and lower corners of the caudal fin and at the anal fin; ventral fins inserted below or just behind pectorals; dorsal fin with 9-13 rays; anal fin with 15-19 rays; scales on mid-longitudinal series 27-31 . Colouration: Male colouration: variable in colouration; light olive to light grey body colour, on the sides strong light blue reflections; on the back in some populations a red-brown stripe, parallel to the dorsal profile; the colour of the unpaired fins is variable and ranges from light blue-grey through yellow and orange to red; these fins usually with a pattern of red spots and stripes; sometimes a dark red margin is present; the caudal fin usually light blue reflecting at its base, changing in the colour as found in the other fins; in its central part spots or stripes in red, usually forming crossbars; a red margin at the upper and lower side may be present; fin extensions, when present mostly white . Female colouration: simply semi-translucent grey or pale olive; ventral area more white to silver; unpaired fins colourless . Both sexes show an orange reflecting upper part at the eye iris .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Variable lampeye is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 12; non-migratory. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C west and east Cameroon southward to Lokundje river (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procatopus abbreviatus | Pellegrin | 1929 | Synonym |
| Procatopus glaucicaudis | Clausen | 1959 | Synonym |
| Procatopus glaucicaudus | Clausen | 1959 | Synonym |
| Procatopus lacustris | Trewavas | 1974 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Variable lampeye.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 66 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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