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Escherich's killi (Aphyosemion escherichi) — Nothobranchiidae

Escherich's killi

Aphyosemion escherichi
LC · Least Concern

The Escherich's killi (Aphyosemion escherichi) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Aphyosemion escherichi is a small killifish of the coastal rainforests of Central Africa. The species reaches about 5 cm and has a slender, streamlined body; as in many killifish the males are more colourful than the females. It lives in fresh water in coastal swamps and the swampy parts of brooks and small streams in the rainforest, in soft, slightly acidic water. Its diet consists mainly of small invertebrates and insect larvae. Unlike many relatives it is not a seasonal killifish. The species is harmless to humans and is occasionally kept in the aquarium hobby, though it is considered difficult to maintain.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Escherich's killi?

The Escherich's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Escherich's killi live?

The Escherich's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Escherich's killi get?

The Escherich's killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Escherich's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Escherich's killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Escherich's killi edible?

The Escherich's killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Escherichs killivis verified
English name
Escherich's killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion escherichi
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded sourced
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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