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Crystal killi (Episemion krystallinoron) — Nothobranchiidae

Crystal killi

Episemion krystallinoron

The Crystal killi (Episemion krystallinoron) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Eq Guinea, Gabon

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Description

The Crystal killi is a panchax or West African killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from shallow, slow-flowing fresh water of Gabon in Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a flat head and an upturned mouth; males are handsomely coloured with glittering scales and colourful fins. As a surface hunter it hovers motionless just below the waterline and darts out at insects and larvae falling on the water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crystal killi?

The Crystal killi has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Crystal killi live?

The Crystal killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Eq Guinea, Gabon

How big does the Crystal killi get?

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

Is the Crystal killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Crystal killi 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
Crystal killi sourced
Scientific name
Episemion krystallinoron
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
5
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Eq Guinea, Gabon sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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