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Alpha killi (Aphyosemion alpha) — Nothobranchiidae

Alpha killi

Aphyosemion alpha

The Alpha killi (Aphyosemion alpha) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Gabon

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Description

The Alpha killi is a small West African killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from shallow, shaded fresh water of Gabon in Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are blue-green with red spots and red-yellow edged fins, females inconspicuously brownish. It lives in small forest streams, swamps and rain pools and snaps at small invertebrates, larvae and insects. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Alpha killi?

The Alpha killi has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Alpha killi live?

The Alpha killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Gabon

How big does the Alpha killi get?

The Alpha killi grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Alpha killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Alpha 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Alpha killi sourced
Scientific name
Aphyosemion alpha
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Gabon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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