{"product_id":"small-aquarium-fish-for-sale-uk-lake-pampeye-pumilus-aplocheilichthys-3060","title":"Lake Pampeye Pumilus (Aplocheilichthys pumilus) — 3-5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLake Pampeye Pumilus\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAplocheilichthys pumilus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a rare, peaceful Central African lampeye endemic to Lake Pampeye in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reaching 4cm in length, this delicate species adds lively surface activity and subtle beauty to nano community aquariums. Ideal for secure, covered tanks with calm tankmates and gentle filtration, \u003cem\u003eAplocheilichthys pumilus\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in warm, soft to moderately hard water with excellent water quality. Available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this rare lampeye rewards dedicated keepers with fascinating surface behaviours and shimmering iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Coloration\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lake Pampeye Pumilus displays subtle but striking colouration with a slender, translucent body that shimmers with iridescent highlights under subdued lighting. The most distinctive feature is the large, reflective \"lampeye\" — a bright, reflective area above the eye that glows in low light. Males are slightly more colourful than females, with faint yellow or green tones on the body and fins. Females are plumper and more subdued in colour. In a planted tank with dark substrate, the shimmering scales and reflective eyes become even more visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAplocheilichthys pumilus\u003c\/em\u003e is endemic to Lake Pampeye, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it inhabits shallow, vegetated areas with slow-moving or still water. These waters are typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and well-vegetated, with abundant floating plants and surface cover. The substrate consists of mud, sand, and organic debris, and water flow is minimal. During the breeding season, these fish spawn among fine-leaved plants or submerged vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA minimum 60-litre aquarium is recommended for a small group of Lake Pampeye Pumilus. Use a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate with plenty of live plants such as \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e, Java moss, \u003cem\u003eMicrosorum\u003c\/em\u003e, and floating species like \u003cem\u003eSalvinia\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eLimnobium\u003c\/em\u003e. Provide open swimming space near the surface, as this is a surface-oriented species that spends most of its time at or near the water's surface. Filtration should be gentle to avoid strong currents. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as these fish are active jumpers and prefer calm water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard (5-15 dGH)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Diet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs an insectivore, \u003cem\u003eAplocheilichthys pumilus\u003c\/em\u003e requires a varied, protein-rich diet of small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and quality micro-pellets or flakes. Offer varied, protein-rich meals in small portions once or twice daily, removing uneaten food promptly to maintain excellent water quality. This surface-oriented predator is well-adapted to capturing small prey at the water's surface, so live foods are ideal for maintaining condition and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lake Pampeye Pumilus is a peaceful, active species that spends most of its time at or near the water's surface. These fish are social and should be kept in small groups of at least six individuals to encourage natural behaviours and reduce stress. They are most active during dawn and dusk, and they appreciate dimly lit aquariums with plenty of surface cover. They are not competitive feeders, so avoid housing them with boisterous or fast-moving species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions include other small peaceful fish of similar size and water needs, such as peaceful nano fish, small rasboras, and \u003cem\u003eMicrodevario\u003c\/em\u003e. Snails are safe companions, and shrimp may be kept with caution, though juveniles may be at risk. Avoid large fish, aggressive species, fin-nippers, fast boisterous species, and predatory cichlids. A calm, quiet environment is essential for this delicate lampeye to thrive and display natural surface behaviours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept in a secure, covered aquarium because these fish are active jumpers and prefer calm water with gentle filtration. Maintain excellent water quality and provide floating plants or surface cover.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is likely an egg-scattering lampeye that will spawn among fine plants or spawning mops. Adults may eat eggs and fry, so a separate breeding tank improves success. Condition a small group with high-quality live foods, then provide spawning media such as Java moss or yarn mops. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to newly hatched brine shrimp after a few days. Remove adults to prevent egg and fry predation. Breeding success is highest in warm, soft water with excellent quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is a trusted UK supplier of rare and specialist tropical fish, including hard-to-find lampeye species like \u003cem\u003eAplocheilichthys pumilus\u003c\/em\u003e. We guarantee healthy, well-conditioned stock, expert care advice, and secure nationwide delivery. Every fish is quarantined and inspected before dispatch, ensuring you receive only the finest specimens. Whether you're setting up a dedicated lampeye tank or adding a rare species to your nano community, Tropical Fish Co offers unmatched quality and customer service. Order online today and bring the beauty of Lake Pampeye into your home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427502727503,"sku":"3060","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/lake-pampeye-pumilus-aplocheilichthys-pumilus-3-5cm-hero-driftwood-3060_e3fa5857-1d94-426c-a604-c88e20d7d40b.webp?v=1776549372","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/small-aquarium-fish-for-sale-uk-lake-pampeye-pumilus-aplocheilichthys-3060","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}