Fin's Fish Guide
The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The turquoise killifish is a small, annual killifish from southeastern Zimbabwe and adjacent Mozambique, in temporary pools of the Save drainage. The species grows to about 6.5 cm; males are bright turquoise with a red tail margin. It lives in pools that dry out completely in the dry season: the fish lays its eggs in the muddy bottom, where they survive the drought and hatch when the rains return. Adults can live less than twelve weeks in captivity, the shortest lifespan known for a vertebrate. As a result the species is an important model organism for aging research. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African turquoise killifish?
The African turquoise killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a marbled pattern. Annual killifish with drought-surviving eggs; shortest-lived vertebrate; model animal for ageing research
Where does the African turquoise killifish live?
The African turquoise killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern Africa
How big does the African turquoise killifish get?
The African turquoise killifish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the African turquoise killifish dangerous to humans?
No, the African turquoise killifish 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 African turquoise killifish edible?
The African turquoise killifish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nothobranchius
More from the family Nothobranchiidae
Want the complete picture on the African turquoise killifish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African turquoise killifish is one of 12,519 species in the app.