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Ansorge's epiplatys (Epiplatys ansorgii) — Nothobranchiidae

Ansorge's epiplatys

Epiplatys ansorgii
LC · Least Concern

The Ansorge's epiplatys (Epiplatys ansorgii) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

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

Description

Ansorge's epiplatys is a killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from Central Africa (lower Ogooué to lower Congo). The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate body with a flattened back and an upturned mouth; courting males are handsomely coloured with red and blue tints and spots. It inhabits quiet, vegetated parts of forest brooks and swamps. As a surface hunter it watches just below the water surface for insects, larvae and small invertebrates falling onto the water. Unlike the seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species. It is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ansorge's epiplatys?

The Ansorge's epiplatys has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ansorge's epiplatys live?

The Ansorge's epiplatys lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Ansorge's epiplatys get?

The Ansorge's epiplatys grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Ansorge's epiplatys dangerous to humans?

No, the Ansorge's epiplatys is harmless to humans.

Is the Ansorge's epiplatys edible?

The Ansorge's epiplatys is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ansorges hechtsnoek sourced
English name
Ansorge's epiplatys sourced
Scientific name
Epiplatys ansorgii
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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
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 Epiplatys

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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