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Elongate nothobranch (Nothobranchius elongatus) — Nothobranchiidae

Elongate nothobranch

Nothobranchius elongatus

The Elongate nothobranch (Nothobranchius elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Elongate nothobranch is an annual killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from temporary rain pools and swamps of the savanna of the coastal plain of Kenya in East Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; the male is brightly coloured with red, blue or orange tints and a scaled pattern. When the pools dry up in the dry season the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the next rains. It eats mosquito larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate nothobranch?

The Elongate nothobranch has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Elongate nothobranch live?

The Elongate nothobranch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Kenya

How big does the Elongate nothobranch get?

The Elongate nothobranch grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Elongate nothobranch dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate nothobranch 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 Elongate nothobranch edible?

Yes, the Elongate nothobranch is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate nothobranch sourced
Scientific name
Nothobranchius elongatus
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Kenya 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten
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 Nothobranchius

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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