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Yellowfin killi (Foerschichthys flavipinnis) — Nothobranchiidae

Yellowfin killi

Foerschichthys flavipinnis

The Yellowfin killi (Foerschichthys flavipinnis) is a fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Coastal lowland of West Africa; swamps, pools and slow streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The yellowfin killi is a small killifish of the family Nothobranchiidae from the coastal lowlands of West Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres and owes its name to the yellowish fins; males are more handsomely coloured than females. It inhabits swamps, pools and slow-flowing brooks, often just below the water surface. As a small predator it hunts small insects, mosquito larvae and small zooplankton. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellowfin killi?

The Yellowfin killi is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Small killifish with yellowish fins; surface hunter of West African swamps.

Where does the Yellowfin killi live?

The Yellowfin killi is mostly found around open water. Coastal lowland of West Africa; swamps, pools and slow streams.

How big does the Yellowfin killi get?

The Yellowfin killi grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Yellowfin killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellowfin killi is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Yellowfin killi edible?

The Yellowfin killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellowfin killi sourced
Scientific name
Foerschichthys flavipinnis
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4 sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Superior (upward)
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Coastal lowland of West Africa; swamps, pools and slow streams.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insects, midge larvae and small zooplankton sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Small killifish with yellowish fins; surface hunter of West African swamps. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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