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Anatolian killifish (Aphanius chantrei) — Cyprinodontidae

Anatolian killifish

Aphanius chantrei

The Anatolian killifish (Aphanius chantrei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Anatolian killifish is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Aphaniidae) from Anatolia in Turkey. The species grows to a few centimetres; males have a pattern of alternating light and dark crossbars, females are plainer. It inhabits fresh and brackish waters such as streams, spring pools and lagoons and tolerates varying conditions. It is not a seasonal killifish. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. It is easy to keep in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Anatolian killifish?

The Anatolian killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Anatolian killifish live?

The Anatolian killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Anatolian killifish get?

The Anatolian killifish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Anatolian killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Anatolian killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Anatolian killifish edible?

The Anatolian killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Anatolische killivis sourced
English name
Anatolian killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphanius chantrei
Family
Cyprinodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aphanius

More from the family Cyprinodontidae

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