Aplocheilichthys spilauchen – Banded Lampeye
Aplocheilichthys spilauchen is a peaceful schooling fish that can be kept together with other small and peaceful fishes from the lower water layers. On the sides and the background the aquarium should be planted densely, because they are a bit shy and they need a lot of hiding places. In the middle, you should leave very much free swimming space. The light should be dimmed. Use some floating plants as well to provide areas of shade. The substrate should be dark to bring out the colors of this fish.
A strong filter and a regular changing of the water are necessary. They come from brackish water so you must add 2 – 3 spoons of sea salt per 10 liters to the aquarium water.
Synonyms : Poecilia spilauchena, Aplocheilus spilauchen, Epiplatys spilauchen, Haplochilichthys spilauchen, Haplochilus spilauchen, Haplochilus spilauchenus, Panchax spilauchen, Aplocheilichthys spilauchena, Haplochilichthys spilauchena, Haplochilus spilauchena, Aplocheilichthys typus, Poecilia bensonii, Aplocheilichthys bensonii, Aplocheilichthys tschiloangensis, Poecilia spilargyreia, Aplocheilichthys schoelleri, Haplochilus macrurus
Diet
Live food should be given as food. Frozen and dry food are accepted as well.
Breeding Aplocheilichthys spilauchen
Breeding Aplocheilichthys spilauchen – Banded Lampeye is not easy. A small amount of eggs are laid and fertilized between fine leaved plants. The aquarium should be darkened after that because light delays hatching. After 2 week the eggs hatch. When the young fishes are swimming free you can raise them with small infusoria.
Author
Jan Bukkems – Aquavisie
Copyright images
Michael Negrini – Pisciculture d’Estalens
