Home · Nothobranchiidae · Sky-blue killi
Sky-blue killi (Aphyosemion coeleste) — Nothobranchiidae

Sky-blue killi

Aphyosemion coeleste
VU · Vulnerable

The Sky-blue killi (Aphyosemion coeleste) is a freshwater fish of the family Nothobranchiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

Description

The sky-blue killi is a killifish (Nothobranchiidae) from the coastal lowlands of west-central Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres; males are beautifully sky-blue with red markings, to which the name refers. It occurs in swampy parts of rainforest brooks on the inland plains and hills. Unlike many killifishes it is not a seasonal fish. As a small predator it hunts small insects and invertebrates. In the aquarium it is regarded as difficult to keep. Owing to habitat loss the species is considered vulnerable. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sky-blue killi?

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

Where does the Sky-blue killi live?

The Sky-blue killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Sky-blue killi get?

The Sky-blue killi grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Sky-blue killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Sky-blue killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Sky-blue killi edible?

The Sky-blue killi is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hemelsblauwe prachtkilli sourced
English name
Sky-blue killi verified
Scientific name
Aphyosemion coeleste
Family
Nothobranchiidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

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 Aphyosemion

More from the family Nothobranchiidae

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