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Berthold's killifish (Scriptaphyosemion bertholdi) — Nothobranchiidae

Berthold's killifish

Scriptaphyosemion bertholdi

The Berthold's killifish (Scriptaphyosemion bertholdi) 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
Range
Africa: Sierra Leone

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Description

The Berthold's killifish is a West African killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from small forest streams, pools and swamps of Sierra Leone in West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are brightly coloured with red and blue spots and coloured fin margins. As a fish of shallow, often temporary and oxygen-poor water it snaps at insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms; its eggs can survive a dry period in the soil. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Berthold's killifish?

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

Where does the Berthold's killifish live?

The Berthold's killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Sierra Leone

How big does the Berthold's killifish get?

The Berthold's killifish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Berthold's killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Berthold's killifish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Berthold's killifish sourced
Scientific name
Scriptaphyosemion bertholdi
Family
Nothobranchiidae
Other names
Berthold's 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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Sierra Leone sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Scriptaphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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