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Aphyosemion primigenium — Nothobranchiidae

Aphyosemion primigenium

Aphyosemion primigenium
NE · Not Evaluated

The Aphyosemion primigenium 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
Range
West Africa (Gabon)
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Aphyosemion primigenium is a small, colourful killifish from fresh water of Gabon in West Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm; males are handsomely coloured with red spots and a blue-green sheen, while females are an inconspicuous brown. It lives in small, shaded rainforest streams and pools and feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aphyosemion primigenium?

The Aphyosemion primigenium has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Beautifully coloured male; shady rainforest streams

Where does the Aphyosemion primigenium live?

The Aphyosemion primigenium lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa (Gabon)

How big does the Aphyosemion primigenium get?

The Aphyosemion primigenium grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Aphyosemion primigenium dangerous to humans?

No, the Aphyosemion primigenium is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Aphyosemion primigenium edible?

The Aphyosemion primigenium is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Aphyosemion primigenium verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion primigenium
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
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
Natural range
West Africa (Gabon) verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Rainforest killifish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Beautifully coloured male; shady rainforest streams sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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