Lampeye

[ahaetulla]

Currently a bit confused about this... There seem to be several fish sold under the name 'lampeye'. The first being the lampeye killifish (Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus).

Secondly, there is the lampeye tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae).

There are also these fish... (pic taken from here - no scientific name listed, argh!)



Are they ricefish / Oryzias sp. ? Are they killies or characins? A bit bewildered by the wide usage of this common name, would appreciate it if anyone could clarify

Thanks!

[hwchoy]

you wouldn't get confused if you ignore the common names.

however, in general lampeye is a vernacular name applied to the group of killifishes that has a prominent bright eye rim, typically from the Aplocheilichthys genus.

Ricefish or Oryzias are related to killifish.

when in doubt, check www.fishbase.org.

[ahaetulla]

That goes without saying, but in this case I couldn't find the scientific names. Using the common name as a lead was an even bigger headache!

Thanks for the information and link, though. Do you know what is the most commonly sold (locally) lampeye species?

[hwchoy]

yes fishbase is your best resource, and which is linked to the CAS which tells of the higher taxonic relationship (click the genus name when on a species page).

lampeye typically means Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus.

[ahaetulla]

Ah, ok, thanks much for the info

[stormhawk]

Correction Choy, these tiny lampeyes are now under the genus Poropanchax, as far as the information on Jean Huber's site says.

The ones most commonly found in Singapore stores is Poropanchax normani, aka Norman's Lampeye. On occasions the blue-eye rainbowfish from the genus Pseudomugil can also be labelled as Lampeye at fish shops here. They do have a bluish eye, just like the little lampeye killies.

[hwchoy]

yes I haven't been following the genus ding dong. and we haven't seen you in a long long time!

[stormhawk]

Yes I confess, spent too much time on other things than on fishes...

Still, I'm planning a fresh 3-ft tank. Not sure whether to try a paludarium of sorts, or just a standard planted non-biotope tank. I sure miss keeping shoals of Boraras.