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Schmitt's killi (Scriptaphyosemion schmitti) — Nothobranchiidae

Schmitt's killi

Scriptaphyosemion schmitti

The Schmitt's killi (Scriptaphyosemion schmitti) 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
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Liberia

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Description

Schmitt's killi is a small egg-laying toothcarp (Nothobranchiidae) from fresh water of coastal plains in Liberia and nearby in West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender body; males are handsomely blue-green with red spots and yellow-red edged fins, females are inconspicuously brownish. It lives in small forest streams and swamps and eats small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Schmitt's killi?

The Schmitt's killi has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Schmitt's killi live?

The Schmitt's killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Liberia

How big does the Schmitt's killi get?

The Schmitt's killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Schmitt's killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Schmitt's 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.

More photos

Schmitt's killi (Scriptaphyosemion schmitti) — Nothobranchiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Schmitt's killi (Scriptaphyosemion schmitti) — Nothobranchiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Schmitt's killi (Scriptaphyosemion schmitti) — Nothobranchiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Schmitt's killi sourced
Scientific name
Scriptaphyosemion schmitti
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Liberia 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

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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