Home · Nothobranchiidae · Red-striped killifish
Red-striped killifish (Aphyosemion striatum) — Nothobranchiidae

Red-striped killifish

Aphyosemion striatum
LC · Least Concern

The Red-striped killifish (Aphyosemion striatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

Description

The red-striped killifish is a small, colourful killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the coastal rainforest of Gabon. The species grows to about 6 cm; males are green-blue with several bright red longitudinal stripes and red-edged fins, while females are plain brownish. It inhabits swamps, brooks and small streams under forest cover. Unlike many relatives this is not a seasonal killifish of drying pools. It feeds on small invertebrates and insects. The species is easy to keep in the aquarium and popular with hobbyists, and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Red-striped killifish?

The Red-striped killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Red-striped killifish live?

The Red-striped killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Red-striped killifish get?

The Red-striped killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Red-striped killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Red-striped killifish is harmless to humans.

Is the Red-striped killifish edible?

The Red-striped killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodgestreepte killivis sourced
English name
Red-striped killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion striatum
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes 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
Carnivore 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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