Neon Lampeye

Adults of this fish typically do not exceed 3 cm in length. Its body is silver, effectively complemented by two intense blue stripes. The fins and tail are translucent with a thin yellowish edge. Males and females can be distinguished by the shape of the anal fin: in males, it is pointed. Another notable feature is the characteristic bright pigment in the upper part of the iris, which explains the fish's name – "Lampeye."

The natural habitats of this fish are in tropical and equatorial Africa. Its range covers the coastal plains in southern Togo, as well as the southern regions of Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It inhabits shallow streams and rivers that form a dense network in the savannas, as well as temporary bodies of water that appear after the rainy season. During the dry season, these bodies of water become shallow, and the water temperature rises significantly, often exceeding 30 degrees.

The optimal group size for these fish is at least 10 individuals, as solitary specimens generally do not survive long. They coexist well with other peaceful species of similar size. Closely related Norman's Lampeyes make excellent tank mates.

For comfortable keeping of a group of 10 fish, an aquarium with a volume of 40–50 liters is suitable. When setting up, it is important to create enough hiding places, using, for example, dense plant thickets, driftwood, or other natural or artificial decorative elements. It has been observed that fish display their brightest coloration under subdued lighting. Floating plants, such as Salvinia or Pistia, will not only provide the desired shade but also serve as reliable protection against accidental jumps. The Neon Lampeye is known for its jumping ability, which it uses in its natural environment to evade predators or to migrate to new bodies of water during seasonal floods. Although these fish are quite adaptable to various conditions, sudden temperature changes and water parameter fluctuations should be avoided.

The daily diet can include dry and freeze-dried foods, such as flakes or granules of suitable size. Live foods, such as Daphnia, Artemia, and other small invertebrates, will serve as an excellent supplement to the main diet.

Neon Lampeyes regularly reproduce. Optimal conditions for their breeding are slightly acidic water at about 25°C and a protein-enriched diet. The fish spawn among thickets of fine-leaved plants. The incubation period for the eggs is 10 to 14 days. After hatching, it is advisable to transfer the fry to a separate tank to prevent them from being eaten by adult fish.

The fish are hardy and undemanding. Diseases usually manifest only with a significant deterioration in keeping conditions. In a balanced aquarium ecosystem, health problems are generally absent.

When selecting individuals, attention should be paid to the overall activity of the school: healthy fish should be active and exhibit species-specific schooling behavior. Avoid purchasing fish with signs of fin damage, the presence of white spots or ulcers on the body, as well as individuals that keep to themselves or have sunken bellies. Healthy specimens should have clear, transparent eyes with a pronounced luminous pigment in the upper part of the iris. Since this species is an active jumper, when purchasing, make sure that the fish in the store's aquarium do not appear emaciated due to stress or improper feeding. It is recommended to acquire a group of 10 or more individuals at once, as keeping them in smaller numbers leads to severe stress and rapid death of the fish. During transportation, it is important to ensure sufficient water volume and aeration to avoid overheating and oxygen deprivation.