A peaceful, nano-sized schooling killifish native to West Africa. They are renowned for the brilliant, iridescent blue or green reflective spot on the upper part of their eye. Unlike seasonal killifish, they are relatively long-lived (2-4 years). They require well-established, densely planted aquariums and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish At a Glance
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Tank Requirements
Will Largereye Lampeye Killifish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Largereye Lampeye Killifish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Largereye Lampeye Killifish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Largereye Lampeye Killifish Water Parameters
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Largereye Lampeye Killifish Temperament & Compatibility
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The typical form found in the hobby. Usually sold unsexed as juveniles. While males develop slightly more color and slightly longer fins, they share the same peaceful temperament and husbandry needs as females, thriving together in mixed shoals.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Unsexed
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Care Guide Summary
The Largereye Lampeye Killifish, scientifically known as Micropanchax macrophthalmus, belongs to the Killifish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Largereye Lampeye Killifish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 40 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Largereye Lampeye Killifish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Largereye Lampeye Killifish is typically available in one standard form.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Largereye Lampeye Killifish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Largereye Lampeye Killifish is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Largereye Lampeye Killifish.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Largereye Lampeye Killifish
How big does Largereye Lampeye Killifish get?
Largereye Lampeye Killifish (Micropanchax macrophthalmus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Largereye Lampeye Killifish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 40 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Largereye Lampeye Killifish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Largereye Lampeye Killifish need?
Largereye Lampeye Killifish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Largereye Lampeye Killifish peaceful or aggressive?
Largereye Lampeye Killifish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Largereye Lampeye Killifish should be kept together?
Largereye Lampeye Killifish is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Largereye Lampeye Killifish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Largereye Lampeye Killifish benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Largereye Lampeye Killifish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Largereye Lampeye Killifish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Largereye Lampeye Killifish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Largereye Lampeye Killifish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Golden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesHorned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
Ideal Tank MatesRamshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Largereye Lampeye Killifish
These plants pair well with Largereye Lampeye Killifish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Poropanchax normani
A small, peaceful, schooling killifish native to Central and Western Africa. Named for the bright, iridescent blue/white crescent on the upper part of their eyes, which glows under aquarium lighting. Unlike many killifish, they are not annual and thrive in community setups. They are highly active swimmers and known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is required.
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nothobranchius rachovii
A stunning annual killifish native to temporary floodplains in East Africa. Because their natural habitats dry up seasonally, they have a short lifespan (usually 8-12 months) and grow incredibly fast. They spawn by diving into soft substrate to bury their eggs, which then require a dry incubation period. Best kept in species-only setups with a soft soil or peat substrate.
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
A small, active schooling fish native to Southeast Asia, famous for the striking black-and-white spot on its dorsal fin and its reflective 'emerald' eyes. They are highly peaceful and thrive in heavily planted or blackwater aquariums. As a strict schooling species, they must be kept in groups to feel secure, establish a natural hierarchy, and display their best colors.
Forktail Blue-eye
Pseudomugil furcatus
A highly active, nano shoaling fish native to Papua New Guinea. Recognized by their striking blue eyes and energetic swimming patterns. They are peaceful but require open horizontal swimming space and the company of their own kind to thrive. Due to their short lifespan (2-3 years), they mature quickly and display near-constant courtship behavior.
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
A striking nano killifish resembling a tiny rocket. Native to West African swamps, they have distinct black and yellow vertical bands. They are strictly surface dwellers (top-level) and are non-annual, meaning they live longer than annual killifish (2-3+ years). They are notorious jumpers and require a tight lid.
Gardner's Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
A stunning, semi-annual killifish native to Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for being relatively hardy and an excellent 'beginner' killifish. They are notorious jumpers and require a tightly fitting lid. While they can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized, fast-moving fish, males can be boisterous and territorial.