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Congo killifish (Aphyosemion congicum) — Nothobranchiidae

Congo killifish

Aphyosemion congicum

The Congo killifish (Aphyosemion congicum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Congo killifish is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from small forest streams, pools and swamps of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are brightly coloured with red, blue and yellow spots and coloured fin margins, females stay an inconspicuous brown. As a fish of shallow, often shaded and oxygen-poor water it snaps at insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms; many species lay their eggs among leaf litter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo killifish?

The Congo killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Congo killifish live?

The Congo killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Congo killifish get?

The Congo killifish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Congo killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo killifish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Congo-prachtkilli sourced
English name
Congo killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion congicum
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Congo killi sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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