Two small poeciliid fish species from the West African coastal plains were identified in literature as Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus scheeli or Aplocheilichthys scheeli. Both share the characteristic of extraordinarily long filamentous pelvic-fins in males but differ in habitat, male coloration and supra-orbital neuromast pattern. The type specimens of Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus scheeli were compared to specimens identified as such in museum collections. Based on the type series and additional material Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus scheeli is reclassified as Micropanchax scheeli. The other species previously identified as Aplocheilichthys macrophthalmus scheeli is described herein as Poropanchax stigmatopygus.