Banded lampeye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banded lampeye |
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The banded lampeye (Aplocheilichthys spilauchen) is a small fish found in Africa. It lives in places where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. These areas are called brackish habitats. You can find them in river mouths, lagoons, and mangrove swamps. This fish can grow to be about 7 centimeters (about 2.7 inches) long.
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What Does the Banded Lampeye Look Like?
Banded lampeyes are small killifish. They usually grow to about 7 cm (2.7 inches) long. Their bodies are somewhat round, and they have short, rounded fins. They have round scales and a flat head with a mouth at the very front.
These fish are a light cream color. They have a shiny, silvery-blue stripe along their sides. This stripe is brighter near their tail. Male banded lampeyes have vertical bars near their tail that match the color of the stripe. Their fins are also more brightly colored than the females' fins. They have a bright spot above their eye, which is why they are called "lampeyes."
Where Do Banded Lampeyes Live?
Banded lampeyes live along the western coast of Africa. You can find them in the mouths of rivers. One group lives from the Senegal River all the way to Nigeria in West Africa.
Another group lives near the mouth of the Congo River. They are also found in nearby estuaries and deltas from Cameroon to Angola. The farthest south they have been seen is in the Chiloango River and the Lower Cuanza River.
Life and Home of the Banded Lampeye
The banded lampeye is a fish that stays in one area. It prefers brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salt water. You will find them in coastal swamps, river mouths, lagoons, and mangrove areas. They are rarely found in pure freshwater or pure saltwater.
These fish are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Their diet includes insect larvae, small water insects, tiny crustaceans, and worms. When it's time to lay eggs, the female fish scatters them over plants. The eggs then stick to the plants. In aquariums, banded lampeyes can live for up to five years.
About Their Scientific Name
The banded lampeye's scientific name is Aplocheilichthys spilauchen. It is currently the only species in its group, called Aplocheilichthys. In the past, many other fish species were thought to be part of this group. However, scientists later moved those other species into different groups. These include Foerschichthys, Lacustricola, and Micropanchax.
