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Kikambala nothobranch (Nothobranchius interruptus) — Nothobranchiidae

Kikambala nothobranch

Nothobranchius interruptus
EN · Endangered

The Kikambala nothobranch (Nothobranchius interruptus) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The Kikambala notho is a small, short-lived killifish from seasonal pools of the Kenyan coast in East Africa. The species grows to about 7 cm; males are brightly coloured with red and blue net patterns, females an inconspicuous brown. It is an annual fish whose eggs survive the dry season in the mud until the rains refill the pools. It feeds on small invertebrates and mosquito larvae. Owing to habitat loss the species is under pressure. The IUCN assesses it as Endangered (EN).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kikambala nothobranch?

The Kikambala nothobranch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Kikambala nothobranch live?

The Kikambala nothobranch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Kikambala nothobranch get?

The Kikambala nothobranch grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Kikambala nothobranch dangerous to humans?

No, the Kikambala nothobranch is harmless to humans.

Is the Kikambala nothobranch edible?

The Kikambala nothobranch is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kikambala-killivis verified
English name
Kikambala nothobranch verified
Scientific name
Nothobranchius interruptus
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

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 Nothobranchius

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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