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Spotted killi (Aphyosemion punctatum) — Nothobranchiidae

Spotted killi

Aphyosemion punctatum
LC · Least Concern

The Spotted killi (Aphyosemion punctatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

Description

The spotted killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from the fresh waters of Central Africa. The species is small and the males are handsomely coloured with red spots and colourful fins, to which the name refers. It inhabits brooks under rainforest cover, in shaded, soft water. Unlike many relatives it is not a seasonal killifish; the eggs do not survive complete drying. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted killi?

The Spotted killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted killi live?

The Spotted killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Spotted killi get?

The Spotted killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Spotted killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotted killi edible?

The Spotted killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gestippelde prachtkillivis sourced
English name
Spotted killi sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion punctatum
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 inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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